Oklahoma Pardon Board urges Governor to spare death row inmate

Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board has recommended commuting Emmanuel Littlejohn's death sentence to life without parole, marking the fifth clemency recommendation since the state resumed executions in 2021. Littlejohn was convicted in 1994 for the murder of Meers, with the prosecution claiming he was the shooter, despite another man, Bethany, being sentenced to life without parole for the same crime. The legal principle of felony murder allowed both men to be charged for the same murder, complicating the case. During Littlejohn's trial, jurors were unaware of Bethany's prior sentencing and were influenced by the prosecution's assertion that Littlejohn was the sole gunman. This led to confusion among jurors, as evidenced by their inquiry about the possibility of changing a life sentence to one with parole. After the trial, jurors from both the original and resentencing trials expressed regret over their decision, indicating they did not believe death was the appropriate punishment. Littlejohn, now 52, has maintained good behavior in prison for over two decades, which has been highlighted in his clemency petition. He expressed remorse for the pain caused to the Meers family but is grateful for the board's recommendation. The case has drawn attention to Oklahoma's controversial execution practices, including botched executions and ongoing litigation regarding lethal injection protocols. The Pardon and Parole Board's recommendation raises questions about the future of Littlejohn's sentence and the broader implications for the state's death penalty system, as it reflects growing concerns over the fairness and morality of capital punishment in Oklahoma.