OKLAHOMA CITY –
All eyes are on the Pardon and Parole Board as death row inmate Julius Jones prepares to speak for the first time in 20 years Monday morning. Jones is the next inmate set to be executed by the state.
This will be the first time we hear from Julius Jones about the case. Jones is on death row for the 1999 murder of businessman Paul Howell. The pressure is on for Jones and his team, with his execution date less than a month away.
The clemency hearing for Jones was originally scheduled for last Tuesday but it was delayed due to an ongoing legal battle against Oklahoma’s lethal injection protocols. News 9 spoke to Federal Public Defender Dale Baich who says the Jones team is prepared for tomorrow.
“The Jones team is prepared to present the clemency case on Monday before the pardon and parole board,” said Baich. “The team that’s challenging the Oklahoma lethal injection protocol will be ready to go to trial in February.”
Jones’ supporters have been holding vigils and other events over the last month. At his commutation hearing in September, the board recommended Jones be taken off death row. However, Governor Kevin Stitt didn’t sign off. Instead, Stitt said he wanted Jones to go through the clemency process.
While Jones continues to maintain his innocence, the Howell family has been working to present the facts in this case.
“We shouldn’t have to fight for justice for Paul,” said Megan Howell Tobey, Paul’s sister. “An innocent victim for 22 years.”
The Howell family spoke in front of the board at the last hearing and will have time to give their side tomorrow. In a statement, they said this has been an extremely difficult process for not only their family.
They say they’re hopeful the pardon and parole board will reconsider their previous position.
The hearing will give both Jones and the Howell family 20 minutes to speak. They’ll also give both the state and defense 40 minutes. If the state or defense saves their time, they can use it for response later.
As of now, Jones is set to be executed on November 18th.
