41 Years Later : Gov. Stitt to Decide on Parole for Wayne Thompson, Jailed at 15

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board (PPB) confirmed Friday that its recommendation for Wayne Thompson’s early release is now in the hands of Governor Kevin Stitt, who will make the final decision on his parole.

Gov. Stitt has up to 30 days to determine Thompson’s fate. In making his decision, he can review the case file, watch recordings from the hearing, and seek input from those involved.

Thompson, now 57, was convicted at 15 years old for the 1983 murder of his sister’s alleged abuser. He has spent more than four decades behind bars.

In January, Thompson appeared before the parole board via video conference from the Joseph Harp Correctional Center in Lexington, where he requested a second chance.

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His attorney, Madison Boone of Project Commutation, emphasized his rehabilitation while in prison.

“He has absolutely shown through his education and employment and good conduct that he has done everything in his power to make positive changes and prove he is ready to re-enter society,” Boone said.

The board ultimately voted 4-1 in favor of parole, with the condition that Thompson complete a 180-day re-entry program to prepare him for release. The majority agreed he had served enough time and no longer posed a threat to society. The violent nature of the crime influenced the lone dissenting vote.

Thompson was convicted for the kidnapping and murder of Charles Keene in Grady County.

He and his accomplices, Bobby Glass and Tony Mann, abducted Keene, who was beaten, clubbed, shot, and stabbed before his body was dumped in the Washita River.

Keene was married to Thompson’s sister, Vickie Sanders, and was accused of abusing her for nearly a decade. Sanders claims Keene also frequently beat Thompson as a child. In a letter to the parole board, she pleaded for her brother’s release.

“She [Sanders] feels that Wayne’s actions were driven by his desire to protect her and her children. At the time, there was very little to protect domestic violence victims such as herself, and she feels that if there had been, Wayne would not have resorted to this crime. She feels a personal responsibility for him being in prison and is fully in support of his release,” Boone said.

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Unlike Thompson's supporters, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections did not recommend Thompson’s parole in its investigative report submitted for the parole hearing. Over the years, Thompson has made multiple bids for release, including one in 2003 when the board recommended parole, but then-Governor Brad Henry denied approval.

Now, his future rests with Gov. Stitt, who is expected to make his decision by late April.