John,

For the last 25 years, Richard Glossip has been on death row in Oklahoma, despite mounting evidence of his innocence.

Richard was convicted of “masterminding” the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese, even though it is undisputed that a man named Justin Sneed actually committed the crime. Richard’s conviction was based almost entirely on false statements made by Justin, who has since recanted his testimony and admitted to lying about Richard’s involvement in the murder. Justin only originally implicated Richard in the crime in exchange for a plea deal that spared him the death penalty.

Everything about this case is a harrowing example of how the justice system can fail an innocent person — but Richard hasn’t given up his fight for freedom. Most recently, he faced execution on May 18, 2023, until the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in and granted him a stay of execution on May 5.

“I want to continue to fight. I want to continue to get my message out to people,” Richard told CNN after the stay was issued. Please take a moment to read more about Richard’s case and learn how you can support him in his fight for justice. [[link removed]]

Though Richard was given this stay of execution, he remains on death row and his fight for freedom is not over.

The temporary stay was granted to allow the Supreme Court time to review two petitions from Richard’s legal team that are currently pending before it. On June 5, the Innocence Project also filed an amicus brief to the high court — which has the power to prevent his wrongful execution. The amicus brief states that Richard’s case “implicates many of the hallmarks of a wrongful conviction — including an acknowledgement by the State itself that it committed prosecutorial misconduct that renders Richard Glossip’s capital conviction fundamentally unreliable.”

But we are far from the only ones who support Richard’s efforts. At least 45 Republican lawmakers in the Oklahoma state legislature, who support the death penalty, agree that there is simply too much doubt to execute Richard. Two independent reports and a team of lawyers and investigators have identified numerous flaws in Richard’s conviction. Oklahoma Attorney General Drummond has even conceded error in the case and is supporting clemency and opposing his execution.

We’re hopeful that Richard will get the justice he deserves, but we need to spread the word about his case. Will you share Richard’s story with your friends and family, and then learn how you can support his efforts for freedom? [[link removed]]

Thank you for your support,

— The Innocence Project Team


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The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Founded in 1992 by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, the organization is now an independent nonprofit. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism.

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