At the age of nineteen, Julius Jones was convicted of a murder he did not commit; unjustly spending the majority of his adult life on death row. For nearly twenty years, twenty-three hours of his twenty-four-hour day are spent in solitary confinement. Every day an innocent man is forced to sit in solitary confinement, awaiting his death. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Julius Jones does precisely that.
“As God as my witness, I was not involved, in any way, in the crimes that led to Howell being shot and killed. I have spent the past 20 years on death row for a crime I did not commit, did not witness, and was not at.” Jones said in his clemency report.
As you read this article, Julius is now eligible for an execution date. Meaning he could be executed as soon s this fall. Considering the numerous systemic flaws within Oklahoma’s capital punishment system, it should come as no surprise that Oklahoma is the only state in the country to permit multiple methods of execution in its statute. Lethal injection, nitrogen hypoxia, electrocution, and more are all good fun in “The Sooner State”.
I learned of Julius Jones story from fellow abolitionist, and musician, Vic Mensa. He, among several other advocates alike, have used their voices to speak out. Russel Westbrook, Blake Griffin, Kim Kardashian West, and Viola Davis have all used their platform to shed light to reverse the wrongful conviction as well. Although, Oklahoma State Attorney General Mike Hunter has expressed that calling attention to the Jones’ case brings only pain to the victim’s family. Further asking the Jones family and community of advocates to be silent. The Oklahoma attorney general is compassionately asking that Julius Jones die quietly. We can not allow that. Not again. Not anymore. Not this time.
It seems that everyone but Attorney General Hunter feels that this story deserves to be reexamined. 20/20 did a two-hour special on the case. Academy Award Winner, Viola Davis executive produced a compelling docu-series, entitled “The Last Defense,.” The series unpacks and exposes how the death penalty is disproportionately applied to black Americans through examining the case of Julius Jones. According to Davis, the seven-part docu-series concentrates on severe defects in the American justice system, particularly the high rate of exonerated death row inmates.
Recently, a grassroots organization successfully pressured Texas to suspend the execution of Rodney Reed. Another black man sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. If we can save Rodney, then there is hope that we can save Julius too.
Today, Julius remains in solitary confinement. He is allowed one hour of sunlight a day. Every minute we wait to take action, Julius is closer to being executed for a crime he did not commit. Julius Jones is innocent, and his sentence should be commuted to time served.
To learn more or to advocate for justice in the case of Julius Jones, click here.
Julius Jones’ case is really frightening! HE is now actively on death row. Another Governor I tweet, about doing the right thing for Julius!