TULSA, Okla. — While the focus is on the court case and the controversy, for the families involved, this countdown is no doubt excruciating.
While Julius Jones's family worked to save his life, the victim's family was awaiting justice. The Howell family has been waiting for more than two decades for closure in the death of their beloved Paul.
Wednesday night, they said little as they anxiously await the governor's decision.
Stitt ultimately decided on Thursday to commute Jones's death sentence to life in prison without a chance at parole.
MORE >>> EXECUTION STOPPED: Julius Jones death sentence commuted, will serve life in prison
Earlier this year, Howell's daughter shared her memories of the terrible day that changed her life forever.
“The door was already cracked open. When I watched him walk up... he had a red bandana over his face a white shirt, a silver gun, like up against his leg here as he was walking up, opened the door and then shot my dad in the head,” Rachel Howell said. “That’s the main image I remember is my dad’s head falling.”
On the other side is Jones's mother, making a final heartfelt plea for her son's life to be spared, defending her son's innocence and demanding a fair trial.
“If my child is executed tomorrow or any day, it should be without a doubt," Jones' mother, Madeline Davis-Jones, said.
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