With Julius Jones Off Death Row, Focus Moves To Ending The Death Penalty

With Julius Jones now safe from execution, his family, friends and supporters took some time to celebrate Thursday evening. Now they are moving to a bigger discussion, about whether the death penalty has a place in the Oklahoma legal system. 

Several religious organizations oppose the use of capital punishment. Many showed their support at the Oklahoma History Center Thursday night. 

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City applauded Governor Kevin Stitt on his decision to grant clemency in the face of “intense pressure.” They went on to say, “To oppose the death penalty is not to be soft on crime. Rather, it is to be strong on the dignity of life.” 

Jones’ story gained international attention, with celebrities, athletes and even foreign dignitaries asking Governor Stitt to commute Jones’ sentence.