Julius Jones’ family begs for clemency as controversial execution nears: “This is a state of emergency”

Family and supporters of Julius JonesOklahoma Governor John Kasich must stop his execution scheduled for Thursday. This is amid questions about his 1999 murder conviction that he claims he did not make. 

Jones will be executed at 4:00 p.m. CT unless the Gov. Kevin Stitt granted Jones a clemency request that was recently approved by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. Jones was sentenced to death nearly 20 years ago for the killing of Paul Howell. His family believes he is guilty and deserves to die.

The 41-year-old inmate, who was just 19 at the time, has maintained his innocence and claims he was at home when Howell was killed. 

“This is a condition of emergency,” Jones’ sister, Antoinette Jones told Mireya Villerreal, CBS News national correspondent, that it was. “This is a man’s risky life. His life has been on the lines for 22 years because he did something wrong.

Wednesday was the last day his family visited him in prison. 

“It wasn’t easy,” Antoinette said. She added that she wanted to hug her brother, but couldn’t.

The parole board recommended that this month, earlier this month. Jones sentence to be commutedThat he be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility for parole. 

Adam Luck, Board Chairman, stated, “I believe that in death penalty cases there should not be any doubt. And put simply, I have doubts about this case.” 

Stitt has not yet met with Howell’s families, but ultimately, the power rests with him. This is the first death penalty case facing the Republican governor.

Howell was beaten to death in front of his family, outside his home. His SUV was stolen and a witness claimed that he saw a Black man dressed in a red bandana, with about 1 to 2 inches of long hair, shoot the father-of-two. Three days later, Jones was arrested — even as his family suggests he was framed, saying eyewitnesses’ descriptions were wrong because he had a shaved head at the time. They also claimed that Jones was playing board games at home and eating spaghetti at the time Howell was assassinated.

Jones said that Jones was not responsible to Mr. Howell’s death.

Howell’s family claims that this is not true. Rachel Howell, Rachel’s daughter, stated to CBS News that Jones was the culprit before the board made its clemency recommendations.

“I want my dad to have a voice because he was an innocent man who took his children to get icecream with my aunt. And he was killed in front of my sister, my aunt and me all for a vehicle. She said that he didn’t get a say in it.

On Wednesday, a group of protesters gathered outside the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion to ask Stitt for clemency. To prevent any unrest, authorities have deployed additional troopers to the area and set up barricades. Rallys were expected to take places at the prison and in Oklahoma City.

Antoinette says she’ll be at prison on Thursday

She said, “I must be there for my brother.” “I would love him to be there… His sacrifices are worth it. His life was worth every effort.

Jones’ mother was surrounded at all times by supporters during Wednesday night’s rally as she pleaded her son’s behalf.

Madeline Jones said, “The truth is what will set you free.” “We’re referring to justice. Justice for who? Justice for all