Okla. Co. DA Prater Responds To State Supreme Court's Denial To Remove Pardon And Parole Board Members

After the state Supreme Court denied a request to remove two members of the state's pardon and parole board, Oklahoma County district attorney David Prater offered his response to the ruling Saturday.

Saturday, September 11th 2021, 2:31 pm

By: News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -

Prater made the request the remove the pardon and parole board ahead of Monday's commutation hearing for Julius Jones.

Jones was convicted in the 1999 murder of Edmond businessman Paul Howell.

"I respect the decision by the Supreme Court's Referee. The rule of law is important. This is the system I operate in every day and I believe in it, though decisions don't always go as I desire,” Prater’s statement began. “Monday, the State is prepared to present the truth of the circumstances of Paul Howell's senseless murder. If the Board objectively considers the truth, they will quickly vote to deny the killer's commutation request. Notwithstanding the Board's decision Monday, I will continue to fight for Paul Howell, his family and all innocent citizens of Oklahoma. I will take my fight for justice to the Governor's office if necessary. Truth and the rule of law must prevail in this and every case. Justice cannot be subverted by money, politics or celebrity. The future of our children is far too important to let that happen.”