Oklahoma’s Richard Glossip, who was nearly executed 3 times, granted bond while awaiting retrial – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Oklahoma City – A judge cleared the path Thursday for Richard Glossip to leave custody for the first time in nearly 30 years. The 63-year-old former death row prisoner received a $500,000 bond while he awaits retrial in the 1997 killing of motel owner Barry Van Treese. Prosecutors have said they will pursue a murder charge but will not seek the death penalty this time.
The Court’s Decision
Judge Natalie Mai set the bond amount during a hearing at the Oklahoma County Courthouse. The ruling follows last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Glossip’s conviction. That ruling found prosecutors had allowed a key witness to give testimony they knew was false, violating Glossip’s right to a fair trial. Glossip has long maintained his innocence, and his case has drawn support from figures including Kim Kardashian.
Long Road to Retrial
Glossip was first convicted in the murder-for-hire scheme prosecutors described. Oklahoma courts set nine execution dates during his time on death row. He came within hours of lethal injection on three separate occasions and ate three last meals. In 2015 he was placed in a cell next to the execution chamber before officials discovered a lethal drug that did not match state protocols. The mix-up triggered a nearly seven-year moratorium on executions statewide.
Public Attention and Legal Shifts
The case gained international notice after actress Susan Sarandon advocated for Glossip. His story was also the subject of the 2017 documentary “Killing Richard Glossip.” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond later announced the state would retry the case without seeking capital punishment. The Supreme Court’s intervention last year removed the original conviction and opened the door for the current proceedings.
What Comes Next
Glossip’s release on bond marks a significant shift after decades behind bars. The retrial will determine whether prosecutors can secure a new conviction under the standards set by the Supreme Court. Observers note that the case continues to highlight questions about witness credibility and prosecutorial conduct in capital trials. The outcome remains uncertain as both sides prepare for the next phase in court.
