TULSA, Okla — A death row inmate has asked for a stay in execution following the unexpected shake-up to the pardon and parole board.
Two members announced they were stepping down from the board earlier this month.
Calvin Prince stepped down amid accusations he offered a pardon for sexual favors. A second board member stepped down, citing personal reasons.
The attorney for Kevin Underwood argued Oklahoma must comply with the state’s five-member board requirement and that proceeding with a three-member board violates the Fourteenth Amendment.
A clemency hearing for Underwood was scheduled for this past Wednesday but was pushed to next Monday.
A federal judge has given Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond to submit an opinion on the situation before they will make a decision.
Underwood is set to be executed Dec. 19 for the murder of a 10-year-old girl.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Susan Stava to fill one of the open board positions on Dec. 6.
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