In the rise of public dismay since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, one faction of society has its eyes set on Oklahoma.
Julius Jones was arrested at 19-years-old in 1999 in the death of an Edmond, Oklahoma, businessman. In 2002, he was convicted of first degree murder and was given the death penalty as a result. He’s been on death row ever since.
Jones has fought for his innocence in his case since 2002. There has been a ton of momentum in clearing Jones of his offenses and getting him off of death row in McAlester, Oklahoma. That includes former Oklahoma star Trae Young, former OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook and now former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, who wrote a letter to Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board in support of Julius Jones.
.@justice4julius shared this letter with ESPN that Baker Mayfield wrote to the Governor of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board in support of Julius Jones pic.twitter.com/mPIJQdXIIG
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) June 22, 2020
“Based on my personal review, the errors and shortcomings in Julius’ trial have been well-documented and are too numerous to be listed in this letter,” Mayfield wrote. “The inconsistent (and unchallenged) testimony of Julius’ co-defendant, the obviously inexperienced and unmotivated defense team, and the eye-witness description of a shorter that clearly did not match Julius are by themselves enough to cast doubt on his guilt.”
Mayfield mentioned how Oklahoma has been home for him and that when people of Oklahoma see the facts of the Jones’ case, that they will also demand that his sentence be commuted. The former Oklahoma quarterback was the face of the people as a Sooner—a brash, spirited player that spoke his mind and watched others follow.
He hopes those will follow his lead again.
“I am honored to use my voice to speak up for Julius Jones. I ask respectfully that you review his commutation application with fairness and compassion.”
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