Julius Jones’ Close Friend, Jimmy Lawson, Speaks Out After Stitt Grants Clemency

For nearly two decades Jimmy Lawson has advocated Julius Jones' innocence in the 1999 shooting of Edmond businessman Paul Howell.

Lawson is a close friend with Jones and said in that time, he was met with much doubt.

Jones’ mother, Madeline Davis-Jones, was with Lawson when she learned Gov. Kevin Stitt granted her son clemency.

Davis-Jones was at home when she heard the news.

“She looked at the TV, heard the announcement, she stares and she says, 'I get to hug my baby once again,'” said Lawson. “(It’s) just a remarkable feeling to see the mom that was right on the brink of losing him, but now, she has the opportunity to be with him again. Unbelievable.”

While friends and family celebrate, they can’t help but wonder how Jones feels right now.

“I can’t imagine what he has been through the last couple of weeks, the torment, the waiting,” said Lawson. “The mindset of, ‘oh my gosh, I have an expiration date.' To see him still be alive, I know he has to be ecstatic.”

After celebrating Stitt’s decision, Lawson and Jones’ family will continue to advocate his innocence in the shooting of Howell.