Oklahoma Pardon Board Resignations Shake Up Death Row Clemency Process
Two members of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board have recently resigned, causing a significant impact on the state’s death row clemency process. Richard Smothermon, the board’s chairman, and Cathy Stocker, a member and former district attorney, officially stepped down following the August meeting last Tuesday. Smothermon had been serving on the board since July 2021, while Stocker was appointed last year.
The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board plays a crucial role in determining the fate of death row inmates by voting on their clemency hearings. While the final decision lies with the governor, the board’s recommendation is necessary for any action to be taken regarding clemency.
In response to these resignations, Governor Kevin Stitt has already appointed Kevin Buchanan, a former district attorney, as Stocker’s replacement. However, the selection of Smothermon’s replacement will be determined by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
The timing of these resignations raises concerns as the next clemency hearing for Phillip Hancock, who was convicted of fatally shooting two men in Oklahoma City in 2001, is scheduled for November 8th. The absence of experienced board members could impact the decision-making process for Hancock’s case.
These resignations come on the heels of another development involving death row inmate Richard Glossip. Glossip has recently requested an Oklahoma County judge to invalidate his previous clemency hearing due to concerns about fairness. In the event that the U.S. Supreme Court does not rule in his favor, Glossip is seeking a new hearing before a panel of five impartial members.
Glossip, who maintains his innocence, claims that he was framed for the 1997 murder of Barry Alan Van Treese. In April, the Parole Board reached a tied vote of 2-2 on Glossip’s clemency, which did not meet the majority support required for the governor to consider commuting his sentence. Smothermon abstained from voting in April due to his wife’s involvement as the lead prosecutor in Glossip’s retrial, while Stocker voted against clemency.
The resignations of Smothermon and Stocker highlight the potential challenges in maintaining a fair and impartial process when it comes to death row clemency cases. With the appointment of new board members, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect future decisions and the overall functioning of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
In the midst of these developments, the October clemency hearing for Julius Jones, whose case has garnered national attention and advocacy, is also approaching. The outcome of these hearings will shape the fate of individuals on death row in Oklahoma and will be closely watched by those concerned with criminal justice reform and the fairness of the system.
The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board plays a critical role in the clemency process for death row inmates, and the recent resignations have undoubtedly shaken up this system. As the state navigates these changes, it is essential to ensure transparency, fairness, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the decision-making process to uphold justice. The vacancies left by Smothermon and Stocker must be filled promptly to ensure the board can continue its important work in the pursuit of a fair and just criminal justice system in Oklahoma.
