State representatives agree with Gov. Stitt's decision on Julius Jones
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Oklahoma state representatives are speaking out about Governor Kevin Stitt's decision to give Julius Jones life without parole hours before his scheduled execution.
Many agree he did the right thing, and some would like to see him do more.
Now, Jones may have paved the way for compromise between the two parties on the death penalty moving forward.
Republican Rep. Kevin McDugle, District 12, said he would not have wanted to make the decision himself.
"I commend the governor for the decision that he made," McDugle said. "It was a rough one, but I think he did a great job."
Oklahoma Democratic Party chairwoman Alicia Andrews agreed with McDugle that the decision could have come sooner.
"I am relieved that the governor chose to spare the life of Julius Jones," Andrews said. "I am hesitant to say that I am grateful."
Some believe the remainder of Jones' life shouldn't be behind bars.
Regina Goodwin (District 73, D) was in touch with Jones' family throughout the process.
"Elated his mama will get a chance to hug him," Goodwin said. "Am concerned about the executive order."
In the governor's decision, it states Jones will never be eligible to apply for pardon or parole. Goodwin said the family is already looking into the legality of it.
Tulsa attorney Frank Frasier said there is a way Jones could go free.
"A future governor, a future administration, could come forward and change that by executive order," Frasier said. "Now, that's not been done."
McDugle said new evidence could be brought forward.
"Had we put Julius Jones to death today and then found out tomorrow there was a video that exonerated him, we can't call that back," he said.
With one life spared, lawmakers are already looking into the five other lives set to be executed between now and February.
One of the inmates on death row has already been recommended for clemency by the Pardon and Parole Board, despite the board saying they believe he's guilty, citing concerns over Oklahoma's methods of execution.
"Do we want to continue executions when we know that we haven't figured out a way to do it properly without turning it into torture?" Andrews said.
McDugle said each case should be looked at individually and carefully. If there is any doubt, the state should not execute.
"We have to look at every case and that's why I authored a bill that offers a mechanism for a third-party investigation for those that we have doubts," McDugle said.
The bill is still in the process of going through committees right now.
Goodwin said she could see Republicans and Democrats coming together to make change.
"It's been proven the death penalty doesn't deter crime," Goodwin said.
The Tulsa County GOP chairwoman Ronda Vuillemont-Smith said she wasn't available for an interview.
She told NewsChannel 8 over the phone that she didn't see the death penalty as a political issue, but as a life issue.
Vuillemont-Smith said she does believe in the death penalty but doesn't think any innocent person should be killed.
