'Where there is life, there is hope': Julius Jones' clemency prompts celebration in Oklahoma

MCALESTER — Emotions overflowed across the state of Oklahoma on Thursday at the news Gov. Kevin Stitt would halt the execution of death row inmate Julius Jones.

Outside the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, Jones’ family and supporters erupted in shouts of joy when they heard that Stitt announced he would commute the death sentence to life in prison. 

“The governor just announced he’s going to grant clemency,” Tulsa activist Tiffany Crutcher announced to the crowd. 

Many broke into tears, including Jones supporter Paige Patton, who began to praise, “Thank you, Lord.”

“It was a long wait,” Patton said. “He works miracles still.” 

The celebration in McAlester lessened as Crutcher announced the governor would not allow Jones the opportunity for parole, meaning he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 on Nov. 1 to recommend the governor reduce Jones’ sentence to life in prison with the possibility for parole. The final decision of whether to accept, modify or reject the board’s recommendation rested with Stitt.

Jones’ sister, Antoinette Jones, said she woke up Thursday morning at peace. Although she was relieved Jones’ life would be spared, she expressed disappointment that he wouldn’t be freed. 

“I know there’s still a fight on our hands,” she said. 

She also voiced displeasure that Stitt waited to announce his decision until mere hours before her brother was scheduled to die. 

Jones had already eaten his traditional last meal Wednesday night. He ordered two KFC sandwiches, large McDonald’s french fries with salt and ketchup, a meat-lovers pizza from Pizza Hut, and a bottle of water.

Many in the crowd echoed Antoinette Jones’ readiness to continue the movement for her brother’s freedom.

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But the chances of Jones ever walking free are slim. The governor stipulated Jones could never apply for a commutation, pardon or parole for the remainder of his life in prison.

Clemency is still a victory despite the lack of parole, said the Rev. Cece Jones-Davis, who is of no relation to Jones but founded the Justice for Julius campaign. 

“Where there is life, there is hope,” she said. “Today, we're going to celebrate Julius's life.” 

Jones maintained his innocence of the 1999 shooting of Howell, an Edmond insurance executive. He was sentenced to death in a 2002 trial. 

The announcement was bittersweet for the families of Jones and Paul Howell, the man he was convicted in 2002 of killing. Howell’s relatives opposed clemency for Jones while the inmate’s family prayed for his release.

"We take comfort that his decision affirmed the guilt of Julius Jones and that he shall not be eligible to apply for, or be considered for, a commutation, pardon or parole for the remainder of his life," the family said in a statement Thursday.

Celebrations ring at state Capitol 

A crowd of more than 100 Jones supporters filled the second-floor rotunda at the state Capitol, just outside of the governor’s office. They sang, chanted and prayed as they waited for Stitt to announce his decision.

The news of Jones’ commutation spurred an explosion of emotion. Waves of deafening cheers rocked the Capitol while some jumped, hugged and wiped away tears.

Deborah Girmah, 23, said Stitt’s decision shocked her. She wasn’t feeling optimistic after seeing police raise barricades at the governor’s mansion and hearing legislative staff were instructed to leave the Capitol early.

“I really thought it was going to go the other way, so I’m really shocked,” said Girmah, a law student at the University of Oklahoma. “I’m really emotional. I can’t imagine how his family is feeling right now.” 

University of Oklahoma student Valerie Smith, 22, said the announcement brought her to tears. But Stitt’s decision not to grant Jones the opportunity for parole added an element of regret, she said. 

“I think that it is a victory tinged with sadness because of the fact that, like most things in America, justice is only half achieved,” Smith said. “Obviously, Stitt is trying to satisfy two sides instead of following the facts and following the flaws in the case.”

High school students across the Oklahoma City metro area walked out of class  Thursday to demonstrate support for Jones. Some made their way to the Capitol to await word from the governor.

Shaniya Tate, 18, arrived from Putnam City North High School and said Jones’ commutation was a relief.

“It’s like a breath of fresh air, honestly,” Tate said. “Immediately when they yelled it out, I started crying.”

Reporter JaNae Williams contributed to this story.