How Social Media Reacted To Julius Jones Sentence Commuted By Oklahoma Governor

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday commuted the death sentence of Julius Jones to “life imprisonment without the possibility of parole" just hours before Jones was to be put to death.

Jones, 41, was sentenced to death row for the murder of Paul Howell, an affluent businessman who lived in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond. Over six million people signed a petition that cited how Jones was on death row due to breakdowns in the criminal justice system, including ineffective and inexperienced defense attorneys, racial bias among the jury, and prosecutorial misconduct, among others.

On Thursday, reality television star Kim Kardashian reacted to the news by tweeting “thank you so much Governor Stitt for commuting Julius Jones' sentence to life without parole and stopping his execution today."

Kardashian said she spoke to Jones on Wednesday. She said Jones wanted her to pass on a message for him.

“The most important is that you have to always make sure you are doing the right thing. Julius was hanging out with the wrong crowd and that landed him in the position he’s in today . . . He said if you are doing something your mom wouldn’t approve of then you shouldn’t be doing it. It’s that simple!” Kardashian posted on Twitter.

Many took to social media to react to the news, which was a trending topic on Twitter.

“Organizing is working! Julius Jones WILL NOT BE EXECUTED IN OKLAHOMA! Thank you to everyone who called, emailed, tweeted, and prayed. #JusticeforJulius has not been won…yet…We must continue to organize for his release and #AbolishTheDeathPenalty.”

Black Lives Matter (@Blklivesmatter) 2:12 PM, Nov 18, 2021

“I simply cannot imagine the feeling of being a just a few hours away from being killed by the state, then hearing the news that your sentence has been commuted. Grateful that Julius Jones gets to live & hopeful that one day we don’t see life in prison as a legitimate alternative.”

Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) 1:54 PM, Nov 18, 2021

“After prayerful consideration and reviewing materials presented by all sides of this case, I have determined to commute Julius Jones’ sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole,”

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) 1:29 PM, Nov 18, 2021

"Julius Jones supporters say they still don’t feel justice will be served until Jones walks free. They plan to tackle that in the days to come though — saying TODAY is just about celebrating his life."

Rebecca Pryor, OkcFox Reporter (@RebeccaPryorTV) 2:50 PM, Nov 18, 2021

"@GovStitt drew out this process until the last moment causing unnecessary grief and trauma for the Jones and Howell families. Then his decision was only half right. While I'm grateful the life of Julius Jones has been spared, a potentially innocent man still sits in prison. The governor should have followed the full recommendation of the Pardon and Parole Board."

Joy Hofmeister, Oklahoma State Superintendent (@joy4ok), 2:44 PM, Nov 18, 2021

"Julius Jones shot a man in the face in front of his daughters. Witnesses and DNA confirmed it was 100% him."

Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) 2:30 PM, Nov. 18, 2021

"We had hoped the governor would adopt the Board’s recommendation in full by community Julius’ sentence to life with the possibility of parole in the light of the overwhelming evidence of Julius’ innocence, we are grateful that the Governor has prevented an irreparable mistake," Jones’ attorney Amanda Bass said in a statement.

Paul Howell’s family released a statement about Stitt's decision.

“We know Governor Stitt had a difficult decision to make. We take comfort that his decision affirms the guilt of Julius Jones and that he shall not be eligible to apply for, or be considered for, a commutation, pardon, or parole for the remained of his life . . . Julius Jones has forever changed our lives and the lives of his family and friends," the release reads.

Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor disapproved of Stitt's decision in a statement.

“[We] are greatly disappointed that after 22 years, four appears, including the review of 13 appellate Judges, the work of investigators, prosecutors, jurors, and the trial Judge have been set aside. A thorough review of the evidence confirms Julius Jones’ guilt in this case and that the death penalty was warranted," read the statement.

Jones' possible death sentence had received heightened attention. Outside the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, a crowd on Thursday gathered to sing "Amazing Grace."