OKLAHOMA CITY – A press conference hosted by the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015 at the Oklahoma State Capitol pressroom, #432B, at 10 a.m.
After the recent decision by the Supreme Court in Glossip v. Gross that permits the State of Oklahoma to use midazolam in its executions, Richard Glossip’s execution date has been set for September 16, 2015.
A team of lawyers has volunteered to work on behalf of Mr Glossip because he has always maintained his innocence and the evidence against him is paper thin. These attorneys are attempting to uncover evidence that will exonerate Richard Glossip, as no one wants an innocent man to be executed.
Thus far the investigation into this very suspicious case has given rise to more questions than answers. In light of the concerns expressed by Justice Breyer in Glossip v. Gross about the real possibility that innocent people are being wrongfully put to death, the need for this case to be thoroughly investigated has never been greater.
One of the defense team members, Don Knight, will talk about what this new investigation has uncovered thus far. He will also be emphasizing the need for help from the public. There were many people at the Best Budget Inn during the early morning hours of January 7, 1997 who may have knowledge of the crime, or who may have interacted with individuals who were there at the time. Mr. Knight will be asking these, and other, members of the public to come forward and speak the truth to prevent another tragedy from occurring.
Mr. Glossip’s spiritual advisor, Sister Helen Prejean, will also be present. Sr Prejean will discuss how Richard is holding up under the weight of the Supreme Court decision and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals decision to set an execution date.
Rep. George Young (D-Oklahoma City), OK-CADP chair Connie Johnson, and OK-CADP spokesperson Rev. Adam Leathers will speak about what this Supreme Court decision means to the people of the State of Oklahoma.