The US Supreme Court has recently decided to grant a new trial to Richard Glossip, a 62-year-old man on death row in Oklahoma, overturning a previous ruling made by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. The landmark decision, which saw a 5-3 vote, was supported not only by the court's liberal justices but also by conservative justices including Brett Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor penned the opinion stating that the prosecution failed to uphold its constitutional duty to correct false testimony during Glossip's trial. Glossip was initially convicted for the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese, the owner of the motel where he worked. Over the years, his situation has seen nine execution dates postponed, and he has undergone the experience of receiving "last meal" requests on three occasions.
The case against Glossip has remained contentious, as he has consistently maintained his innocence. The key witness against him, Justin Sneed, was convicted for the murder and alleged that Glossip had instructed him to carry out the act. However, revelations have emerged indicating that crucial evidence regarding Sneed's serious psychiatric condition was not disclosed to the defense during the trial.
Glossip has been a figure of controversy and debate, with several prominent supporters rallying for his cause, including Pope Francis, Kim Kardashian, and Sir Richard Branson. Following recommendations from both the state's Republican attorney general and Glossip himself, the Supreme Court's recent ruling paves the way for a significant re-examination of the evidence and legal proceedings that led to his conviction.
