Investigators also found the murder weapon and a bandanna with Jones’ DNA in an attic space above his bedroom. Trial transcripts show witnesses identified Jones as the shooter and placed him with Howell’s stolen vehicle. Jones claims Jordan is the actual killer and framed him to get a deal. Under a plea agreement, Jordan pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit a robbery for his role and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Jones was directly implicated at trial in the fatal shooting by his friend, Christopher Jordan. “Jones repeatedly and unequivocally told his attorneys that his parents were mistaken and that he was not at home the night of the murder," said Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Crabb. Jones testified that he was at home with his parents and siblings on the evening when Howell was killed, but prosecutors said Jones himself previously told his trial lawyers that wasn't true. Howell’s murder,” Jones said.Ī state investigator in October told the Pardon and Parole Board that Jones has used his notoriety for financial gain through business calls from prison that were about marketing and branding concepts, the investigator reported in an affidavit. “I was not involved in the planning of this robbery, I was not present during this robbery, and I did not know that anyone had been killed until the day after Mr. Seated next to his lawyer Monday at a table in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Jones was dressed in a dark red prison uniform as he read from a prepared statement. He claims he is innocent and was framed by the actual killer. Jones didn’t match an eyewitness description and was home when the murder took place, Bass told the board. Bass, an assistant federal public defender representing Jones, told the board Jones is “facing execution in two weeks for a crime he did not commit.”īass blamed Jones’ conviction and death sentence on systemic racism, under-resourced and inexperienced public defenders and prosecutorial misconduct. If granted clemency, Jones would be eligible for parole immediately because of the prison time he's already served. Amanda C. His supporters include celebrity Kim Kardashian, who visited him last year at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Millions signed a petition in Jones' support after ABC in 2018 aired the documentary series, "The Last Defense," about his innocence claim. More: Oklahoma carries out first lethal injection since 2015, executing inmate for murder of prison worker Related: Oklahoma parole board recommends commutation of Julius Jones' death sentence His case has attracted support from celebrities and well-known athletes. Jones, who was 19 at the time of his arrest, claims he is innocent and was framed by the actual killer. The last time a governor granted clemency to someone on death row was in 2010, by Democrat Brad Henry. Mary Fallin, rejected three separate recommendations for clemency for people on death row. Stitt’s predecessor, fellow Republican Gov. “Our office will not offer further comment until the governor has made a final decision.” “Governor Stitt is aware of the Pardon and Parole Board’s vote today,” Stitt spokeswoman Carly Atchison said in a statement. Kevin Stitt will have the final say on Jones' future. Board members recommended his sentence be reduced to life with the possibility of parole. “Second, I am not the person responsible for taking Mr. Paul Howell, who I’ve heard was a caring and all-around good person,” Jones said by videoconference. “First, I feel for the Howell family, for the tragic loss of Mr. Jurors chose the death penalty as punishment at a 2002 trial. Jones, 41, is facing execution for the 1999 fatal shooting of insurance executive Paul Howell during a carjacking in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond. OKLAHOMA CITY - High-profile inmate Julius Jones was given another chance to get off death row Monday after maintaining his innocence to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. Watch Video: Pardon and Parole board votes to commute Julius Jones' sentence
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