New Year New Justice

December 31st - January 3rd // Supporters of clemency for Julius Jones walked 131 miles from the Oklahoma State Capitol to McAlester.

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

We continue to fight for his freedom and advocate in solidarity with his family and friends for his release.

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

It has been one year since our team of five advocates left the State Capitol in Oklahoma City to walk 131 miles to the State Penitentiary in McAlester in support of Julius Jones and his freedom.

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

On the day of his scheduled execution, Governor Kevin Stitt granted him clemency and reduced his sentence to life without parole. We celebrate today the work of @justice4julius & the continuing life of Julius Jones.

[Jess Eddy @JessQuintonEddy]

I’m asking the folks supporting Julius Jones at the Capitol right now to please join us in prayer and peace at this time. This is the time to be in love.

[Julius Jones Institute @justice4julius]

💚

[Shane Claiborne @ShaneClaiborne]

There will not be an execution today.
Our brother Julius is alive to live another day!!!

Let us celebrate like crazy.

And tomorrow, let’s get back to organizing until we fully abolish the death penalty.

[The Oklahoman @TheOklahoman_]

Oklahoma Gov. Stitt reduces Julius Jones’ sentence to life in prison without parole. https://t.co/CMkTzZh1uY

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

With under four hours until the scheduled execution, Governor Stitt has signed the recommendation to grant clemency and commute the sentence of Julius Jones to life without the possibility of parole.
#justiceforjulius

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

The photos of Julius were not shown at his trial, but the physical description did match the appearance of his friend and former teammate Chris Jordan.

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

Four hours remain until the execution of Julius Darius Jones. There is no more time for prayer- we need action from Governor Kevin Stitt.

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

The only description of the shooter described a man with an inch of hair sticking out from under his hat. According to photos of Julius taken around the same time, Julius Jones had a closely cropped hair style that would have made the observed inch of hair an impossibility.

[Janelle Stecklein @ReporterJanelle]

The scene at the Oklahoma Capitol. Julius Jones supporters continue to rally.

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

His clemency hearing was the first time he was able to speak on his own behalf in 22 years.

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

With only five hours remaining, all eyes are on Governor Kevin Stitt.

[New Year New Justice @JuliusJonesWalk]

“At the very last minute, they advised me to not testify.”
Julius was prepared to defend himself at the time of his trial and plead innocent to the crimes he was charged with, but was not granted the opportunity to do so by his ineffective defense team.