Emmanuel Littlejohn was executed in Oklahoma despite a recommendation from the state’s Pardon and Parole Board for clemency. Littlejohn, who was convicted of murder in 1992, maintained his innocence until the very end. The board had recommended commuting his death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole after finding that he did not receive a fair trial.
Despite the recommendation, Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt, denied clemency and the execution was carried out on Thursday afternoon at the state penitentiary in McAlester. Littlejohn’s attorneys argued that he did not receive a fair trial due to incompetent representation from his defense attorney, who failed to present crucial evidence that could have affected the outcome of the case.
The execution marks the eighth for Oklahoma this year, making it the highest number of executions in the state since 1915. There has been growing scrutiny over the use of the death penalty in the US, with advocates arguing that it is a cruel and inhumane form of punishment that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
The decision to proceed with Littlejohn’s execution despite the recommendation for clemency has sparked outrage and calls for reform of the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. Critics argue that denying clemency in a case where there are questions about the fairness of the trial sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the integrity of the justice system.
Littlejohn’s case highlights the contentious debate surrounding the death penalty in the US and raises important questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. As the number of executions in Oklahoma continues to rise, advocates are calling for a reevaluation of the use of capital punishment and greater transparency in the decision-making process.
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