Target: Federal attorneys Dale Baich and Amanda Bass
Goal: Applaud successful advocacy for clemency recommendation in case of potentially wrongfully convicted death row inmate.
A black man with hair and a red bandanna: this description, given to police regarding a suspect in the murder of Paul Howell, was enough to help seal Julius Jones’ fate when he was convicted of the 1999 crime. Jones was sent to death row thereafter, despite serious questions about the handling of his case, potential racial biases, and alleged multiple confessions from another man. This ForceChange petition brought urgent attention to Jones’ case in the lead-up to his scheduled mid-November execution. Now, thanks to such efforts, this man’s life may be saved.
In late October, the man who has been imprisoned since he was 19 years old spoke before the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board in a multi-hour hearing. His family, who initially gave him an alibi for the murder, were in attendance. After the hearing concluded, the board recommended clemency for Jones. This recommendation will carry immense weight for the eventual decision about Jones’ fate to be made by the governor.
Sign the petition below to thank Jones’ lawyers for convincing the parole board to listen to the evidence and make a fair ruling that could at last right a lethal wrong.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Attorneys Baich and Bass,
As you are all too aware, Julius Jones has spent the best years of his life in prison for a crime that evidence increasingly indicates he may not have committed. Executing this man would be a horrific failure of a system that is supposed to uphold fair and equal justice. While the final decision is ultimately in the governor’s hands, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board’s opinion matters a great deal and could be a tremendous influencer. We appreciate you advocating on Mr. Jones’ behalf.
Thank you for convincing the board to weigh the facts and recommend clemency for Mr. Jones. This ruling embodies how the American justice system is supposed to work at its best.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Nick Youngson
It really reflects the laxity in our justice system, that this man, who is most likely innocent, has been held this long in prison for a crime he did not commit. Clearly, not all the evidence was taken into account. The crime needed to be pinned on someone, so who better than a black man? Disgusting!
This cases, and many others like it, should send out ALARMS that many people have been wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. Please review the cases of those about to be killed very very carefully. THERE IS NO REPEAL FROM DEATH.