Oklahoma Governor Won't Commute Manslaughter Term

Gov. Mary Fallin has denied a request to commute the sentence of man who was convicted of fatally shooting an acquaintance in 2003.

Friday, January 28th 2011, 10:57 pm

By: News 9


Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gov. Mary Fallin has denied a request to commute the sentence of man who was convicted of fatally shooting an acquaintance in 2003.

Fallin said in a prepared statement Friday that "After reviewing the case of Lawrence Watts and taking into consideration input from Mr. Watts' attorney, the family of Anthony Greco, the prosecuting attorney and the recommendation of the Pardon and Parole Board, I cannot in good conscience act to commute Mr. Watts' sentence. As of today, I have decided to deny Mr. Watts' commutation and have notified the Pardon and Parole Board of my decision."

Lawrence Watts, the brother of ex-U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts, was convicted of killing Anthony Greco outside Watts' Eufaula restaurant on June 25, 2003. The two were arguing over money, and Watts said he thought Greco was going for a gun.

In December, the Pardon and Parole Board recommended commuting Watts' 25-year sentence to time served. Attorney Stephen Jones, who represented Watts, said he was disappointed with the decision, but thought Fallin was fair.

Greco's brother, Marty, told the Tulsa World his family is pleased with her decision.

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