Richard Glossip, who has spent 27 years on Oklahoma's death row, has been granted a new trial by the U.S. Supreme Court. Glossip, now 62, was convicted of the 1997 murder of his former boss, Barry Van Treese, in what prosecutors alleged was a murder-for-hire scheme. Glossip has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court found that prosecutors failed to correct false testimony from the key witness, Justin Sneed, who implicated Glossip in the murder. Sneed, who admitted to the killing, had testified that Glossip promised him money to commit the crime. The Court highlighted prosecutorial misconduct, including interference with witness testimony and withholding evidence, which cast doubt on the credibility of the verdict.
Next Steps for Glossip
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has indicated that Glossip will remain in prison pending a decision on whether to retry him. Drummond plans to consult with the district attorney on the possibility of a new trial, the choice of charges, and the potential penalty. Despite Drummond's belief in Glossip's guilt, the decision on pursuing the death penalty will be carefully considered.
Previous Execution Attempts
Glossip has narrowly escaped execution on multiple occasions, with nine separate dates set for his lethal injection. In 2015, a last-minute drug mix-up halted the execution process, leading to a prolonged moratorium on executions in Oklahoma. The uncertainty surrounding Glossip's case has drawn attention to flaws in the state's capital punishment system.
Victim's Family Response
The Van Treese family, who have long sought justice for Barry Van Treese's murder, expressed disappointment at the Supreme Court's decision. They have waited over 10,000 days for closure and continue to advocate for Glossip's conviction to be upheld. The emotional toll on the family underscores the complexities of seeking justice in cases involving capital crimes.
