Ahead of a death row inmate’s execution date next month, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted to recommend clemency.
The board voted 3-2 to recommend clemency for Emmanuel Littlejohn, who was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for the 1992 fatal shooting of Kenneth Meers during a robbery of an Oklahoma City convenience store.
Another man, Glenn Bethany, was also involved in the deadly robbery. A different jury found him guilty of first-degree murder as well, but he was sentenced to life without possibility of parole. Court documents show there was uncertainty over which man was the shooter, and Littlejohn maintains it was not him.
This follows Attorney General Gentner Drummond requesting the board not recommend clemency last week.
With clemency recommended by the board, it’s now up to Gov. Kevin Stitt to actually grant clemency. Littlejohn is scheduled to be executed on Sept. 26.
Drummond issued a statement after the hearing:
“I am disappointed by the Pardon and Parole Board decision today but appreciate their thoughtful deliberation. I remain steadfast that the family of Kenny Meers has waited far too long for justice to be done. My office intends to make our case to the governor why there should not be clemency granted to this violent and manipulative killer."
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.
