On Monday, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 to reduce Julius Jones’s death sentence to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
According to CNN, Jones was 19 years old when he was found guilty of killing businessman Paul Howell in 1999. He has always maintained his innocence, claiming that he was at home with his family when the crime occurred.
On Nov. 18, Jones is scheduled to be executed. His attorneys claim that he was convicted due to “fundamental flaws in the system,” including an inefficient and inexperienced public defender and suspected prosecution misconduct.
According to the petition, a juror came forward and stated that he overheard another juror refer to Jones as the n-word. Several other people have noted that Jones’ co-defendant, Christopher Jordan, admitted to killing Howell.
Rachel Howell, Howell’s daughter, told CNN that she feels the evidence confirms Jones is guilty and that Jones is “re-victimizing” her family.
Madeline Davis-Jones, Jones’ mother, said on Monday that she understands “what it’s like to have a loved one ripped away from you and to constantly relive that loss,” and she hopes and prays that the Howell family can “find healing and peace.”
In September, Jones’ sentence was first recommended for commutation by the pardon and parole board, but his execution date was set a week later, prompting Monday’s clemency hearing.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt will now have to determine whether or not to commute Jones’ sentence.
