Spiritual Advisor For Oklahoma Death Row Inmate Begins 120-Mile Journey To Governor's Office

The spiritual advisor for Oklahoma Death Row inmate Anthony Sanchez is getting ready to start a 120-mile journey from McAlester to Governor Kevin Stitt's office.

Anthony Sanchez is on death row for the rape and murder of OU ballerina Juli Busken back in 1996.

What has Anthony Sanchez said about his case?

"In 1996, Juli Busken was murdered by a monster,” Sanchez said in a recorded statement on Aug. 9, 2023. “But that monster wasn't me." The group campaigning for his release shared this recording during a public press conference. "I would not be where I am at right now if the truth had been a requirement,” Sanchez said. "My lawyers did not push back on the faulty evidence."  

Why is Sanchez's spiritual advisor going on this walk?

Sanchez's spiritual advisor, Reverend Dr. Jeff Hood, will be carrying a letter with him, asking for a 60-day reprieve to review new evidence.

What is being asked to be reevaluated?

Sanchez's attorneys have asked the state Attorney General to order a re-evaluation of DNA evidence, which they claim will prove Sanchez's innocence.

"If there is even a chance that we maybe got it wrong we need to know," Investigator David Ballard, a member of the team campaigning to free Sanchez, said.

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond has already denied that request, saying he believes beyond any doubt that Sanchez is guilty.

“Enough is enough. I deserve to be free,” Sanchez said. "I'm asking the people of Oklahoma to hear my cry."  

Drummond's office said on Aug. 9 they “believe beyond any doubt that Anthony Sanchez is guilty and justice will be done for Juli Busken on September 21st.” 

Sanchez is set to be executed on Sept. 21.

Related Stories:

1. Oklahoma Death Row Inmate Plans To Reject Chance For Clemency Despite Maintaining His Innocence
2. Appeal Denied For Man Who Murdered OU Student In 1996
3. DNA Evidence Disproves Anthony Sanchez Innocence Claim, Prosecutors Say
4. Advocates Rally At State Capitol To Stop Anthony Sanchez's Execution
5. Supporters For Oklahoma Death Row Inmate To Reveal Findings of Independent Investigation
6. Death Row Inmate's Attorneys File Motions Hoping to Exonerate Client
7. State Attorney General Requests Execution Dates For 25 Death Row Inmates
8. Ballerina's Murder Still Haunts Norman 15 Years Later