Julius Jones’ Mother Pleads With Gov. Stitt To Call Off Her Son’s Thursday Execution

Despite spending hours waiting at the capitol Monday, Julius Jones’ mother was denied a face-to-face meeting with Governor Kevin Stitt.

While she was not granted that meeting, Jones' mother did pass along a note to the governor.

“It was pretty much a personal letter by Momma Jones, saying we've been through the process, your board has spoken, please concede with the recommendation,” Julius Jones’ best friend Jimmy Lawson said.

“So many people are devastated at the lack of acknowledgement and the governor not issuing a decision,” Black Lives Matter OKC’s T. Sheri Dickerson said.

Jones’ supporters poured out of the governor's office in hopes of bending his ear.

“We just want to let the governor know that time is of the essence,” Lawson said.

Though they did not their chance Monday, they haven't given up hope.

“We don't feel defeated. just praying to God for a miracle,” local activist Jabee Williams said.

In a brief statement, Jones' mother said her son's life should not rest in the governor's hands.

“I just thank God for the opportunity to at least try,” Madeline Davis-Jones, Julius’ mother, said. “And God brought my beautiful, wonderful son here and it's his responsibility to take my son.”

Jones is set to be executed Thursday for the 1999 shooting death of Paul Howell.

Howell's loved ones said the governor will not be swayed by the support for Jones.

“We feel confident that Governor Stitt recognizes how senseless and tragic Paul’s murder really was and will not follow the pardon and parole board’s recommendation, and will deny clemency,” brother Brian Howell said.

While he has managed to garner a mass following, Howell's family encourages people to review the case.

“That really opened my eyes to how misinformed some of these followers are just by thinking they are following a cause,” daughter Rachel Howell said. 

“Whatever happens this Thursday (that) is not the end of this journey, because in Oklahoma, we need to abolish the death penalty,” Dickerson said.

Last week, News 9 learned Gov. Stitt met with Jones’ defense team and an advocate. Supporters of the Howell family said Stitt also met with them.

Jones’ execution is scheduled for lethal injection at 4 p.m. Thursday.