Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt on November 2, 2022, granted a second stay of the impending execution for death row inmate Richard Glossip in the State v. Glossip case. Obtaining the stay was critical to allow time for the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals to review a request for a new evidentiary hearing in his case.

Glossip was convicted in 2004 of a murder for hire based on the testimony of the confessed killer, Justin Sneed, who agreed to testify against Glossip to avoid the death penalty. Sneed testified that Glossip masterminded the murder. Newly discovered evidence uncovered during a lengthy investigation into the case casts serious doubt on the reliability of the conviction.

Prior to obtaining the second stay, Mr. Glossip’s clemency hearing was scheduled before the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board for next week, and his execution was set for December 8, 2022. Now, Mr. Glossip has a reprieve until February 16, 2023.

Jackson Walker partner Christina Vitale and associate Michael A. Drab, supported by the firm’s Houston research services team, assisted Reed Smith LLP and Crowe and Dunlevy LLP in the continuing investigation of this case. Following the second stay, the team will continue to be involved and investigate.

The win marks another example of Jackson Walker securing results for its clients, from the Fortune 100 and its executive suites to those less fortunate in our communities. Our dedicated Pro Bono program provides support for attorneys’ pro bono efforts both in terms of legal service and financial support. To learn more about the Firm’s efforts to help ensure equal access to justice, visit our Pro Bono page.

This article, originally published on August 23, 2022, after the first stay was obtained, has been updated to note the second stay granted in favor of Richard Glossip.