Stay of execution granted for John Grant, Julius Jones; AG files appeal to U.S. Supreme Court

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Update: On Wednesday evening, Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor announced intentions to appeal the stay of execution to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

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After a federal judge denied a request to stay the executions of several Oklahoma death row detainees, attorneys for the men filed an appeal with the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which partially granted the request on Wednesday.

Grant is a death row detainee who faced an Oct 28 execution for the killing of a correctional center employee. Julius Jones is a former University of Oklahoma student who has maintained his innocence for over 20 years in the murder of Edmond man Paul Howell. 

BREAKING: The 10th circuit court of appeals has granted a stay of executions of death row inmates John Grant & Julius Jones following an appeal that was filed earlier this week. @kfor pic.twitter.com/HCb4y5iAXe

— Jessica Bruno Richards (@Jbrunonews) October 27, 2021

Meanwhile, by Wednesday evening, Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor announced intentions to appeal the stay of execution to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to an update from KFOR reporter Jessica Bruno Richards. After several appointments by former twice-impeached President Trump, the Court wields a 6-3 conservative majority.

“We have received the Order of the Tenth Circuit granting a stay of the executions of John M. Grant and Julius D. Jones. We are appealing the decision to the United States Supreme Court. We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will vacate the stay so that justice can finally be served for the people of Oklahoma, including the families of the victims of these horrific crimes.” AG John O’Connor stated through a press release.

Notably, O’Connor was ruled unqualified for a federal judge position prior to Oklahoma Governor Stitt appointing him to his current role.