Death-row inmate’s supporters petition to spare his life

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — More than 100 supporters of an Oklahoma death row inmate marched to the state’s Pardon and Parole Board Thursday and delivered a petition with more than 6 million signatures.

The group that included local clergy and the condemned man’s family marched from an Oklahoma City church to the board’s office in support of Julius Jones.

Jones, now 40, was convicted in the 1999 slaying of Paul Howell, an Edmond insurance executive who was gunned down in front of his 7- and 9-year-old daughters.

Jones has maintained his innocence, and his case has drawn the attention of reality star Kim Kardashian West and several professional athletes with Oklahoma ties, including NBA stars Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin and Trae Young, who have urged Gov. Kevin Stitt to commute Jones’ death sentence and spare his life.

But state prosecutors, including Attorney General Mike Hunter, say there is overwhelming evidence of Jones’ guilt.