Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced on November 18, 2021, that he was granting clemency to one of the highest profile cases to ever hit Oklahoma. This decision came just a mere hours before he was scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection. Stitt declared that instead of death, Jones will spend the rest of his natural life in prison without the possibility of parole.
According to the executive order, “"Pursuant to Article 6, Section 10 of the Oklahoma Constitution, Governor Kevin Stitt today issued Executive Order 2021-25 to commute the death sentence of Julius Jones, who was tried and convicted for the first-degree murder of Paul Howell, to life imprisonment without the possibility for parole, on the condition that he shall never again be eligible to apply for, be considered for, or receive any additional commutation, pardon, or parole.”
Stitt said in a statement that this decision was only made after quite a bit of praying and research.
“After prayerful consideration and reviewing materials presented by all sides of this case, I have determined to commute Julius Jones’ sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.”
Stitt used article 6, section 10 of the Oklahoma Constitution that gives the governor power to grant clemency “upon such conditions and with such restrictions and limitations as the Governor may deem proper.” The restriction for Jones is he will never be eligible for parole or a pardon.
Jones was on death row stemming from a 2002 First-Degree Murder conviction. Jones was found guilty of fatally shooting Paul Howell, an Edmond insurance executive in 1999. Even though he was conviction, Jones has professed his innocence for the past two decades.
“The truth is: I did not kill Mr. Howell," Jones wrote in a letter. "I did not participate in any way in his murder; and the first time I saw him was on television when his death was reported."
Countless times, Jones alleged that Christopher Jordan, the co-defendant in the case, framed him to save his own neck. He also alleged that Jordan has confessed to multiple cell mates about being the killer. The prosecutors said that these confessions are not credible, because of the inmates’ records and pasts. One inmate who claimed that Jordan confessed shot himself to file a false worker’s compensation claim. The other inmate has been diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder, which is tied to lying compulsively.
Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor admonishes Stitt’s decision but said he will stand by it.
“I’ve reviewed the evidence three different times,” O’Connor stated in an interview.” I’ve looked at all the exhibits. And there’s no doubt in my mind.”
O’Connor’s office later released a statement.
“The Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General respects the statutory authority of the Governor to make this decision. I know Governor Stitt is making what he believes is the right decision. I appreciate the Governor’s condition that Mr. Jones never be released from prison. However, we are greatly disappointed that after 22 years, four appeals, including the review of 13 appellate Judges, the work of the investigators, prosecutors, jurors, and the trial Judge have been set aside. A thorough review of the evidence confirms Julius Jones’ guilt in this case and that the death penalty was warranted. Our office will continue to work for justice and for the safety of all Oklahomans, including families like Paul Howell’s. We recognize that the pain of losing a loved one never ends, and our hearts and prayers are with the Howell family.”
Howell’s family also gave a statement crediting Stitt for keeping Jones behind bars.
“We know Governor Stitt had a difficult decision to make. We take comfort that his decision affirms the guilt of Julius Jones and that he shall not be eligible to apply for, or be considered for, a commutation, pardon or parole for the remained of his life. We would like to thank the countless people in the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies across the state, whom for 22 years, for their tireless efforts and unwavering support. Julius Jones has forever changed our lives and the lives of his family and friends.”