Julius Jones’ Death Sentence Commuted by Oklahoma Governor on Day of Scheduled Execution

The death sentence of Julius Jones has been commuted by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.

In a statement shared Thursday, which is the same day Jones had been scheduled for execution, Stitt said he made the decision following “prayerful consideration” and a review of the case. Jones, convicted of first-degree murder, has maintained his innocence for more than 20 years in connection with the 1999 killing of Paul Howell.

“After prayerful consideration and reviewing materials presented by all sides of this case, I have determined to commute Julius Jones’ sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole,” Stitt said.

Per a report from the Associated Press, Oklahoma’s Pardon and Parole Board recommended earlier this month that Jones’ sentence be commuted to life in prison. Notably, multiple panel members also questioned the evidence used to convict Jones for the murder.

This story is being updated.