Execution of a death row inmate involved in murder-for-hire blocked

The Supreme Court on Friday blocked the execution of death row inmate Richard Glossip that was scheduled for May 18 (Pictures: AP)

The Supreme Court has blocked the execution of a death row inmate who played a role in a murder-for-hire.

Richard Glossip, 60, on Friday was spared from facing the death penalty on May 18. The Supreme Court put his execution on hold indefinitely as it reviews the case around the 1997 murder-for-hire.

‘There is nothing more harrowing than the thought of executing a man who the state now admits has never received a fair trial,’ stated Glossip’s lawyer Don Knight.

‘Our hope is that the court will reverse the decision of the (Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals) and vacate Mr Glossip’s conviction once and for all.’

Death penalty opponent Sister Helen Prejean speaks during a news conference concerning continued attempts to halt the execution of Richard Glossip (Picture: AP)

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond had said that Glossip did not have a fair trial. The state appeals court upheld the conviction and a pardon and parole board were deadlocked on granting Glossip clemency.

Glossip took part in the murder of his former boss, Barry Van Tresse. Glossip promised to give $10,000 to Justin Sneed to admit he robbed and killed Van Tresse. But Van Tresse took a life sentence in exchange for being the key witness against Glossip.

His case made international headlines when actress Susan Saradon brought attention to his case. Sarandon won an Academy Award portraying Sister Helen Prejean, who opposed the death penalty, in the 1995 film Dead Man Walking. Prejean went on to serve as a spiritual adviser for Glossip.

Glossip’s story was also the subject of the 2017 documentary Killing Richard Glossip.

Lea Glossip, the wife of death row inmate Richard Glossip, speaks outside the Oklahoma Supreme Court concerning continued attempts to halt the execution of Richard Glossip (Picture: AP)

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian also opposed Glossip’s execution.

‘Richard Glossip needs our help, urgently!’ she tweeted last month. ‘He has been on Oklahoma’s death row for 24 years for a crime he did not commit and is now scheduled to be executed on May 18th.’

A Republican, Drummond vowed to ‘continue working to ensure justice prevails in this important case’.

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Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip ‘has never received a fair trial’.