Potential 4th Delay On Glossip Execution Rests With Oklahoma Governor’s Office

The Pardon and Parole Board denied clemency for death row inmate Richard Glossip. His 9th execution date is set for May 18. 

People definitely have mixed emotions about the Pardon and Parole Board’s decision. Now, everyone will have to wait for Governor Kevin Stitt’s decision on a potential fourth delay of Glossip’s death.   

“We have let a wound heal and the scab’s been torn off again,” Donna Van Treese said at Wednesday’s Pardon and Parole Board meeting.

Two families on both sides of this case felt completely different about this decision. Van Treese felt she finally got the answer she’s waited for.  

“I feel like justice has finally been served after 26 years,” Van Treese said. 

Van Treese said justice was served for her late husband Barry who was murdered in 1997. Prosecutors said Glossip paid a co-worker, Justin Sneed, to kill Van Treese at an OKC motel. Sneed is serving a life sentence, but Glossip is facing the death penalty.  

“I cannot even begin to express to you how agonizing of an experience that is to have to do with the one you love,” said Leah Glossip, Richard Glossip’s wife. 

Glossip’s execution has been delayed three times. After Wednesday’s Pardon and Parole Board decision to deny clemency, the decision to delay his May 18 death again sits with Gov. Stitt. 

News 9 Legal Analyst Irven Box provides his insight.

“I don’t think Glossip’s ever gonna be executed,” Box said. “I think there’s too much baggage, too much concern about really what was done in this case.”  

On Wednesday, attorneys for Richard Glossip filed an Unopposed Application for Stay of Execution with the U.S. Supreme Court.  

“I'm not a murderer and I don't deserve to die for this,” Gossip said during Wednesday’s meeting. 

Two families disagree on this decision but they both share the pain. 

"Honestly, we’re victims as well,” said Alana Van Treese Mileto, Barry Van Treese’s sister. “We’ve been in prison this entire time.”  

Governor Stitt hasn't commented on the decision. Meanwhile, Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna wrote a letter to the Pardon and Parole Board ahead of Wednesday’s clemency hearing, altering criteria for capital punishment cases. 

Behenna outlined several guidelines saying the death penalty should only be used in the most egregious of cases, including those involving mass casualties or for offenders with a significant history of violence. 

Behenna continues in part, “Mr. Glossip's case would not qualify for the death penalty in Oklahoma County under these new guidelines." 

Box agreed, adding Glossip's case puts Oklahoma in a dark national spotlight. 

“She's right. I don't think in this day and time if this crime was repeated today that they would even seek the death penalty today against Glossip whatsoever,” Box said. “So, it's an anomaly. This whole case is. Everything about it is different" 

Box added that Gov. Stitt cannot stop the execution. He can only issue a 60-day reprieve, or delay. Glossip has had three reprieves in the past.