Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip, who has been on death row for over 20 years for the murder of his boss, is now awaiting a new trial after evidence of prosecutorial misconduct has come to light. Glossip has received multiple execution dates, eaten his “last meal” three times, and has received multiple appeals to the Supreme Court.
The state of Oklahoma now agrees that Glossip did not receive a fair trial due to the state’s key witness lying on the stand about his bipolar disorder diagnosis. Recent investigations have uncovered evidence of prosecutorial misconduct, including withholding evidence and allowing false testimony. The state is now asking the Supreme Court to overturn the decision not to set aside Glossip’s conviction and grant him a new trial.
Family members of the victim, Barry Van Treese, believe there was no prosecutorial error and want Oklahoma’s death sentence on Glossip to be carried out without further delay. Glossip’s attorney, Seth Waxman, argues that Glossip was denied a fair trial and the chance to demonstrate that the key witness was unreliable.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has initiated an outside investigation into the case and is arguing that Glossip deserves a new trial due to prosecutorial misconduct. The state maintains its support for the death penalty and aims for cases to have the highest standard of reliability. Glossip’s attorney, Don Knight, commends Drummond for standing up for Glossip’s right to a fair trial despite being in a state known for its pro-death penalty stance.
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