Home / Crime and Justice / Nearly 3 Decades on Death Row: Glossip Accepts Plea Deal
Nearly 3 Decades on Death Row: Glossip Accepts Plea Deal
13 Nov
Summary
- Richard Glossip pleaded guilty to a lesser charge after nearly 30 years on death row.
- He was scheduled for execution three times for a 1997 murder he denies.
- His plea avoids the death penalty and may lead to a reduced prison sentence.
Richard Glossip, a former Oklahoma death row inmate, has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, his attorney announced on Thursday. Glossip had been sentenced to death for the 1997 murder of his former boss, Barry Van Treese.
Another man, Justin Sneed, admitted to the killing, testifying that Glossip had hired him. Sneed, the key witness against Glossip, received a life sentence. Glossip's convictions had been overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, and he was released on bond in May to await retrial.
His plea to an accessory charge means the murder charge is dismissed. Glossip will be sentenced in December, potentially facing additional prison time or immediate release after nearly 30 years, including three prior execution dates.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond stated that while the state would not seek the death penalty again, prosecutors would pursue additional prison time. Drummond acknowledged the plea was a difficult decision for the Van Treese family and himself, but it secures a conviction and the best chance for more prison time for Glossip.
