Live updates from Oklahoma City
Julius Jones was scheduled to be executed at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, however, announced at noon Thursday he has commuted Jones’ sentence to life without the possibility of parole.
Jones, now 41, has been on death row for more than half of his life for the murder of Paul Howell.
Timeline:From a murder charge to requests to commute his execution, a look at Julius Jones’ case
Jones has maintained his innocence, saying he was not responsible for the fatal shooting in Edmond in 1999. Jones’ family insists he was at home.
The Oklahoman will be covering Thursday’s events live. Check back on this article throughout the day Thursday for the latest updates.
More:What you need to know about death row inmate Julius Jones and his execution case
Kim Kardashian thanks Stitt for commuting Jones’ sentence
Kim Kardashian West thanked Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt for commuting Julius Jones’ death sentence to life in prison without parole just hours before Thursday’s planned execution.
Kardashian, who has been supportive of Jones for years, sent a series of tweets Thursday, sharing details from her conversations with Jones and thanking the Oklahoma parole board, Stitt and others who advocated on his behalf.
More:Kim Kardashian thanks Oklahoma Gov. Stitt, supporters who ‘helped to save’ Julius Jones
“I’m so grateful to everyone who used their voice and helped to save Julius’s life today.” Kardashian tweeted.
– Staff reports, 2:20 p.m.
Family of Paul Howell: Comfort in affirmation of Julius Jones’ guilt
The family of Paul Howell on Thursday afternoon released a statement on the commutation of Julius Jones’ sentence. Jones was convicted of murder in the fatal shooting death of Paul Howell during a 1999 carjacking in Edmond. Jones has maintained his innocence throughout.
“We know Governor Stitt had a difficult decision to make. We take comfort that his decision affirmed 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 remainder 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 for their tireless efforts and unwavering support for the last 22 years.
“We wish to thank our friends, supporters and advocates whose words, thoughts and prayers have kept us strong throughout this ordeal.
“Julius Jones forever changed our lives and the lives of his family and friends.
– Staff reports, 2 p.m.
Oklahoma AG: ‘Greatly disappointed’
Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Conner released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
“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.
Read More: Live updates from Oklahoma City