Richard Glossip, a man who spent nearly three decades on death row for a crime he insists he didn't commit, is still languishing in a Oklahoma County jail. In February last year, the US Supreme Court vacated his conviction, citing false testimony and prosecutorial misconduct. But instead of being released, Glossip was stuck in the county jail with no end in sight.
The reason for this unexpected twist? Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who is running for governor, announced that he planned to retry Glossip for first-degree murder. Despite his conviction being overturned, Drummond asked a judge to reject Glossip's request for bond, citing concerns about the defendant's flight risk and potential danger to society.
However, prosecutors' attempts to move forward with the retrial have been hindered by their own troubles. Six of the seven judges assigned to preside over the case had previously worked as prosecutors, leading to allegations of bias. The remaining judge, Natalie Mai, was chosen after a contentious process involving court orders and media outlets.
Glossip's lawyers have successfully sought the recusal of every judge assigned to the case, citing concerns about impartiality and even alleging that some judges were friends with the original prosecutor involved in Glossip's conviction.
Despite repeated requests for medical attention, Glossip has been confined to a jail cell with no doctor visits, raising health concerns.
As the retrial date approaches, Glossip's lawyers are pushing for new evidence, including a hearing to assess the credibility of their star witness, Justin Sneed, who initially confessed to participating in Glossip's crime but later recanted. The defense argues that the trial must focus on whether Sneed is willing and able to stand by his testimony.
The situation highlights the ongoing issue of wrongful convictions in America and the need for reform. Despite Glossip's conviction being overturned, he remains trapped in a system that seems designed to deny him justice.
Glossip's case is a stark reminder that even after decades on death row, the US justice system still struggles to provide fair and humane treatment for its most vulnerable citizens.
The reason for this unexpected twist? Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who is running for governor, announced that he planned to retry Glossip for first-degree murder. Despite his conviction being overturned, Drummond asked a judge to reject Glossip's request for bond, citing concerns about the defendant's flight risk and potential danger to society.
However, prosecutors' attempts to move forward with the retrial have been hindered by their own troubles. Six of the seven judges assigned to preside over the case had previously worked as prosecutors, leading to allegations of bias. The remaining judge, Natalie Mai, was chosen after a contentious process involving court orders and media outlets.
Glossip's lawyers have successfully sought the recusal of every judge assigned to the case, citing concerns about impartiality and even alleging that some judges were friends with the original prosecutor involved in Glossip's conviction.
Despite repeated requests for medical attention, Glossip has been confined to a jail cell with no doctor visits, raising health concerns.
As the retrial date approaches, Glossip's lawyers are pushing for new evidence, including a hearing to assess the credibility of their star witness, Justin Sneed, who initially confessed to participating in Glossip's crime but later recanted. The defense argues that the trial must focus on whether Sneed is willing and able to stand by his testimony.
The situation highlights the ongoing issue of wrongful convictions in America and the need for reform. Despite Glossip's conviction being overturned, he remains trapped in a system that seems designed to deny him justice.
Glossip's case is a stark reminder that even after decades on death row, the US justice system still struggles to provide fair and humane treatment for its most vulnerable citizens.