Supreme Court overturns Oklahoma death penalty case
Richard Glossip is eligible for a new trial
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - An Oklahoma man is eligible for a new trial after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed new evidence should be considered.
For 27 years, Richard Glossip has maintained his innocence in the death of motel owner Barry Van Treese.
The summary finding from Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor is that Glossip is entitled to a new trial
The decision hinged on the fact Richard Glossip was sentenced to death for the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese, an Oklahoma City motel owner,
However, additional boxes of evidence uncovered in 2023 pointed out, state prosecutors knew a key witness lied and other evidence indicated Glossip may have been innocent, just as he maintained for 27 years.
Justice Clarence Thomas dissented, saying the ruling casts asides the victim family’s interests. Justice Neil Gorsuch did not take part because he’d been party to previous appeals in the case.
Glossip’s wife Leah thanked the court for answering their prayers.
The Oklahoma State Attorney general has left open whether Richard Glossip will face a second trial. He would not face the death penalty a second time.
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