Oklahoma officials announced on Monday that they plan to move forward with murder charges against Richard Glossip, although they aim for a life sentence following the Supreme Court’s decision impacting death row cases.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond (R) expressed support for Glossip’s attempt to overturn his conviction related to a 1997 murder conspiracy, acknowledging that the trial was “unfair and unreliable.” Still, he emphasized that he doesn’t believe Glossip is innocent.
A judge ruled last February that Glossip’s due process rights had been violated, leading to a new trial order, which was considered a rare win for someone on death row at the High Court.
“It was evident to me, and to the US Supreme Court, that Mr. Glossip did not receive a fair trial, but I have never claimed he is innocent,” Drummond said in a statement on Monday. “After the High Court referred the case back to the District Court, my office reviewed it thoroughly and found enough evidence to support a murder conviction.”
“The same US Constitution that safeguards our rights also protects the rights of defendants,” he added. “Unlike previous prosecutors who allowed witnesses to provide false testimony, my office will ensure that Mr. Glossip faces a fair trial based on strong evidence and genuine testimony.”
Glossip was found guilty of the murder of his former boss, Barry Van Treese, in 1997. Van Treese was killed by maintenance worker Justin Snead, whom prosecutors claim Glossip instructed to commit the crime. Snead pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against Glossip in exchange for a life sentence rather than facing the death penalty. Glossip was originally sentenced to death in 1998, but his conviction was overturned due to ineffective legal representation. He was retried in 2004 and again sentenced to death.
Glossip has argued that the state withheld evidence and allowed false testimony from Snead, a crucial witness. Drummond has unexpectedly supported Glossip during his appeals.
“We find that the failure to correct Snead’s testimony in court violated the due process clause,” wrote Judge Sonia Sotomayor in the majority opinion.
The majority opinion, authored by Sotomayor, was supported by four other justices. Judge Amy Coney Barrett had partial agreement and disagreement, while Judge Clarence Thomas dissented, with Judge Samuel Alito joining him. Judge Neil Gorsuch recused himself, likely due to prior involvement in earlier appeals involving Glossip.
Drummond confirmed that his office would not pursue the death penalty for Glossip since Snead, the admitted murderer, is already serving life without parole.
Glossip’s upcoming court date is scheduled for June 17th.
“The Van Treese family has experienced considerable sadness and frustration since their loved one’s murder, and my heart goes out to them,” Drummond stated. “The prior poor decisions and misconduct by past prosecutors have only deepened their suffering.”
“While I can’t change how the cases were handled 25 years ago to ensure true justice, I still have a duty to seek the justice that is available today,” he concluded.
