Who is Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt?

KEVIN Stitt made headlines on November 18, 2021, after he commuted Julius Jones’ death sentence.

Jones was set to be executed later that day but will now serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Who is Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt?

Born December 28, 1972, Stitt, 48, is known as an American businessman and politician who is currently serving as Oklahoma's governor.

Outside of politics he is known as a 1996 graduate of Oklahoma State University and as the former chairman and CEO of Gateway Mortgage Group, a company in which he founded with just $1,000 and a computer in 2000.

Stitt was elected to office in November 2018 and is up for re-election in 2023.

At this time, it remains unclear if he plans to run again.

What did Kevin Stitt say about Julius Jones?

In 2002, Julius Jones, 40, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death at just 22 years old for the killing of 45-year-old businessman Paul Howell.

Read our Julius Jones live blog for the very latest news and updates...

On October 27, 2021, Jones was granted a stay of execution which was later overturned by the state attorney general’s office, however, on November 18, the same day as his execution, Stitt spared Jones' life.

The decision comes after Jones' sister, Antoinette, and a group of spiritual leaders were unable to meet with the governor in an effort to overturn the execution following six million signatures on a petition.

“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," Stitt said in a statement.

The Pardon and Parole Board's recommendation was to reduce Jones' sentence to life in prison with the possibility of parole, which he would have been immediately eligible for.