Julius Jones Granted Clemency Hours Before Scheduled Execution

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt commuted the death sentence of Julius Jones to life without the possibility of parole on Thursday, just hours before he was scheduled to be executed.

The decision comes after days of protests urging the governor to stop the execution of Jones, 41, who has maintained for decades his innocence in the 1999 killing of insurance executive Paul Howell.

In a momentous decision, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 to recommend that Stitt commute Jones' death sentence, expressing doubts about the case.

The case was featured in the 2018 documentary series ‘The Last Defense,’ executive produced by actor Viola Davis, which explores flaws in the American justice system.

She tweeted, 'My heart breaks for Julius and so many others who have suffered from such tragic miscarriage of justice.’

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[dvdv]

That's a start. Now let's get him parole and actually RE-EXAMINE ALL THE EVIDENCE!

[sltate]

Instead of highlighting the Hollywood elites in the description, it would have been nice to spotlight or at least mention the lawyers that I'm sure worked tirelessly on this case. YOU have to be the change that you want to see.

[snappatruce]

This is political. He did it. It’s not even a question.

[whitemike]

Guilty guilty guilty guilty. He murdered 2 people. Guilty!!!! No excuses!!!

[galactic]

Wow defending a murderer. This is ridiculous. Those people don't care about the actual victim Paul Howell or his family.

[turtlegaminghd]

Didn't this dude kill a father in front of his daughters or am I getting the wrong guy? I might be wrong since it was a while ago when I looked at the case

[redbunnytail]

Wow. There is at least ONE dude, in max prison in Oklahoma, who is HAPPY to be there, at this moment. Yikes. It's a new day for Mr. Jones, and a certain Governor of Oklahoma is probably sensing the moment. You know? To many, he's this cool dude. To some, he just spoiled tonight's 'main event.' I don't know about the death penalty, BUT when you are snatched from its jaws, with only hours to spare, where else can you duplicate this experience for a prison dude? Life is about 'experiences.'

[Milo]

💀💀💀💀💀 our school had a protest abt this

[freeexpress]

The second video on this topic and less than 10, 000 views and even less likes. This is who we are... Don't deny it, accept it.

[markwatson]

And just like that a man who killed a dude in cold blood for no reason gets away with this country is hopeless like ion even see one comment on here grieving for the victims or family of this crime

[ShadowWolf]

Meanwhile in Wisconsin: " Give that FN kid the chair for defending himself!"

[BossBrookeArmstrong]

I’m old enough to remember when criminals WERE NOT CELEBRATED 🙄

[ThugHunter]

this isnt a good thing, guy for sure killed that guy

[proskeptical]

Singing for a murderer possibly getting off that shot & killed a man in front of his children after getting ice cream.

[DragonLove]

I watched the short documentary, seems Julius friend did the shooting and blame it on Julius from the description the family gave.

[vapeking]

That's great news its just unfortunate all the other innocent folks they have killed and in prison right now! Not Just in Oklahoma but everywhere in the US! We imprison more people per Capita than any other country! 😭

[showmercytoothers]

They love criminals until he comes to kick 🦶 their doors in