The murder charge against Richard Glossip, a former death row inmate who was repeatedly nearly executed, was dismissed Thursday after he was granted a new trial for the 1997 killing of his former boss, according to his lawyer.
He was sentenced to death for the murder of a motel owner named Barry Van Treese, who was beaten to death with a baseball bat. Prosecutors alleged Treese was killed in a murder-for-hire plot, but Glossip has maintained his innocence for nearly 30 years.
His conviction was thrown out by the Supreme Court last year after finding problems with key testimony. The court determined that prosecutors admitted testimony they knew was false, violating Glossip’s right to a fair trial.
He served nearly 30 years in prison before being released on bail in May.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced plans last year to retry Glossip on first-degree murder charges, but without seeking the death penalty. But Drummond also agreed with the Supreme Court’s decision, saying it was “an undeniable fact that he did not receive a fair trial.”
Glossip pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of accessory to murder after the fact Thursday morning in order to “put this matter to rest,” according to his attorney Don Knight. His sentencing will take place in December, his lawyer said.
Knight noted that Glossip would have been released a decade ago if prosecutors had initially convicted him of that ancillary charge.
“We look forward to the opportunity to show why his return to custody would not serve the interests of justice and to bring an end to this nightmare for Rich and everyone involved,” Knight said.
Prosecutors intend to seek a maximum sentence of 45 years, according to Drummond’s office.
Drummond said it was a difficult decision, but “this path secures a conviction related to Mr. Van Treese’s murder and gives us the best chance of obtaining additional prison time for Glossip.”
Since his conviction in 1998, Glossip has had nine scheduled execution dates. On at least three occasions he was served what was supposed to be his last meal.
Gn usa
