Richard Glossip, an Oklahoma man who has faced multiple postponements of his execution, has found an unlikely ally in his effort to vacate his murder conviction – Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. Drummond, a Republican, believes that prosecutors hid evidence in Glossip’s trial for the 1997 murder-for-hire killing of his boss. Glossip’s lawyers will be arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court for a new trial in the hopes of preventing his execution, as Drummond views it as a travesty of justice.
Glossip was originally convicted in 1998 for the murder of his boss, Barry Van Treese, although an appeals court later overturned that conviction due to ineffective defense counsel. After a second trial in 2004, he was once again found guilty of first-degree murder. Drummond contends that prosecutors committed a Brady violation by withholding potentially exculpatory evidence and violated Napue by allowing false testimony, preventing Glossip from receiving a fair trial. Glossip, now 61, has maintained his innocence in the killing, with another man, Justin Sneed, admitting the crime but testifying that he did so under the influence of promises made by Glossip.
Despite not believing in Glossip’s innocence, Drummond insists that he did not receive a fair trial and should not be executed based on the compromised testimony of Sneed. Concerns have been raised about Sneed lying on the witness stand regarding his psychiatric condition and reasons for taking mood-stabilizing medication. Additionally, there is evidence that a box of crucial evidence in the case was destroyed, potentially affecting the outcome of the trial. Glossip’s execution date has been changed multiple times, and he has been fed three “last meals” as he navigates the legal system in an attempt to prove his innocence.
Former Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater maintains his belief in Glossip’s guilt despite the efforts to vacate his conviction. Prater reviewed the case multiple times and urged the state’s Pardon and Parole Board to reject clemency for Glossip, even though the original case was prosecuted by his predecessors. A decision on Glossip’s case is expected by early summer as his legal team continues to fight for a new trial to prevent his execution. The Associated Press has contributed to the coverage of this case, shedding light on the complex legal battle surrounding Glossip’s conviction and impending execution.
