9 Execution Dates, 3 Last Meals — Death Row Inmate Is Getting a New Trial
After enduring nine scheduled execution dates and consuming three "last meals," Richard Glossip's relentless pursuit of justice has taken a dramatic turn. The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned his death penalty conviction, granting him a new trial and reigniting debates about the integrity of the criminal justice system.
The Case Against Richard Glossip
In 1997, Richard Glossip, a motel manager in Oklahoma City, was convicted of orchestrating the murder of the motel's owner, Barry Van Treese. The prosecution's case relied almost entirely on the testimony of Justin Sneed, a maintenance worker who admitted to killing Van Treese but claimed Glossip had offered him $10,000 to do it.
Despite the serious charges, no physical evidence linked Glossip to the crime. Instead, the case hinged on Sneed's testimony, which later raised concerns. Sneed, who received a life sentence instead of the death penalty in exchange for testifying, had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was taking psychiatric medication. However, during the trial, he denied this, and prosecutors — despite knowing the truth — never corrected his false statements.
A Troubled Path to Justice
Glossip's legal battle has been plagued by controversy. Over the years, new evidence surfaced suggesting that prosecutors allowed false testimony and withheld key information that could have supported Glossip's defense. These revelations raised serious concerns about the fairness of his trial, fueling widespread calls for a review of his conviction.
In 2023, Drummond expressed doubts about the fairness of Glossip's trial after reviewing newly discovered evidence. This evidence revealed that prosecutors were aware Sneed had lied about his mental health and medication use. Justice Sotomayor noted additional concerns, including the destruction of key evidence — such as motel receipts, a shower curtain, and masking tape — that might have supported Glossip's innocence.
The Supreme Court's Intervention
On Feb. 25, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in, overturning Glossip's conviction and ordering a new trial. The 5-3 ruling emphasized that prosecutors failed to correct false testimony, violating Glossip's constitutional right to a fair trial.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for the majority opinion, stated, "Had the prosecution corrected Sneed on the stand, his credibility plainly would have suffered. That correction would have revealed to the jury not just that Sneed was untrustworthy ... but also that Sneed was willing to lie to them under oath. Such a revelation would be significant in any case, and was especially so here where Sneed was already nobody's idea of a strong witness," as reported by ABC News. "We conclude that the prosecution violated its constitutional obligation to correct false testimony."
The Role of Oklahoma's Attorney General
One of the most unexpected turns in the case came from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. Despite his personal belief that Glossip was guilty, Drummond admitted the case was mishandled and ultimately supported a new trial. His stance underscored the severity of prosecutorial misconduct and reinforced the principle that justice must come before securing convictions.
The Emotional Toll of Death Row
Beyond the courtroom, Glossip's long battle for justice has taken a devastating emotional toll. Facing nine scheduled executions — followed by three "last meals" that never led to his execution — he has endured nearly three decades on death row. His wife, Lea Glossip, has been one of his strongest advocates, working tirelessly to bring national attention to his case and hold the legal system accountable.
Lea wrote to the Associated Press regarding the overturned conviction, "Rich and I opened the decision together on the phone this morning, knowing it would be a life-changing moment. To say that we are overcome with emotion is an understatement. We are deeply grateful. Today is truly an answered prayer."
What's Next?
With the Supreme Court's ruling, Glossip now faces a new trial, marking his best chance yet to prove his innocence. His case has become a symbol of the flaws in the justice system, highlighting the urgent need for prosecutorial accountability and transparency. As the legal battle continues, Glossip's story raises crucial questions about the reliability of convictions and the risks of wrongful executions.
References: Supreme Court throws out Oklahoma inmate Richard Glossip's murder conviction and death sentence | Supreme Court orders new trial for Richard Glossip after decades on death row | Supreme Court orders new trial for death row inmate in Oklahoma | Supreme Court Throws Out Murder Conviction of Death Row Inmate Richard Glossip, Orders New Trial
