Wrongful convictions expert available on Julius Jones case

Julius Jones has been on death row in Oklahoma for 19 years for a 1999 murder he’s always said he had no part in. Oklahoma’s Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 to recommend clemency for Jones on Nov. 1, however his execution has been scheduled for Nov. 18.

Laura Nirider, clinical professor of law and co-director of the Center for Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, is available to comment on the Jones case. 

Nirider represents individuals who were wrongfully convicted of crimes when they were children or teenagers. Her clients have included Brendan Dassey, whose case was profiled in the Netflix series “Making a Murderer,” and Damien Echols of the West Memphis Three, whose case was profiled in the documentary “West of Memphis.” Nirider can be reached at l-nirider@law.northwestern.edu.

Quote from Professor Nirider

“In the United States, for every eight people who are executed, one person has been exonerated off death row. That’s a staggering error rate. Particularly in light of that history, no American should be comfortable with the idea of executing someone who has a strong claim of innocence, as Julius Jones does. 

“As of Tuesday morning, Oklahoma Gov. Stitt only has about 48 hours to decide whether to act on the Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation that Mr. Jones’ life be saved. Countless eyes around the country, including more than 6.4 million people who have signed online petitions in support of Mr. Jones, are now watching Gov. Stitt as he makes this crucial decision.”