J. Cole, Kerry Washington, Kim Kardashian And More Call For The Release Of Julius Jones As Execution Date Nears

(David McNew/Getty Images)

Two decades after he was arrested, Julius Jones is still fighting for his freedom.

Jones was first arrested and convicted of the brutal murder of Oklahoma businessman Paul Howell in 1999. Despite arguments made by the prosecution and Howell’s family, Jones family, attorneys and close friends have maintained that the details of the case point to his innocence.

One of the key points on contention is the description of the killer that was provided by the Howell’s sister, who witnessed her brother’s death. According to the Associated Press, Howell’s sister, Megan Tobey, said the killer wore a stocking cap that came down “about a half an inch to an inch” above his ears and that hair was sticking out from both sides. Attorneys have argued that Jones had short hair at the time, while a man by the name of Christopher Jordan had corn-row braids at the time of the killing. Ultimately, Jordan was only charged as the getaway driver.

Another point of contention revolves around Christopher Jordan. The Associated Press has also reported that “several” people who were incarcerated with Jordan say he admitted to killing Howell and framing Jones.

The third issue raised by the defense is racial bias. A juror in the murder trial reportedly wrote in an affidavit that a fellow juror called Jones a racial slur and said they should take him behind the jail and shoot him.

With a number of issues presented by the defense, the state’s parole board has voted twice to grant Jones clemency and take him off of death row.

“Personally, I believe in death penalty cases there should be no doubts. And put simply, I have doubts about this case,” Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board told Adam Luck told reporters.

Despite the actions taken by the state’s parole board, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has denied their request for clemency twice. As a result, Jones remains scheduled to be executed on November 18.

Despite Stitt’s inaction, a number of public figures have stepped up to advocate for Jones’ clemency. Actress Viola Davis produced a documentary about Jones’ fight for freedom and Kim Kardashian has visited him in prison. Hours away from his execution, a number of celebrities are making a last effort to raise awareness about his case.

 

 

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