Glossip Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charge in 1997 Murder
Richard Glossip pleaded guilty Thursday to accessory after the fact in a 1997 Oklahoma City killing. Judge Natalie Mai dismissed the murder charge against him.
- 63-year-old Glossip was twice convicted and sentenced to death.
- 9 execution dates were set; each was halted before it was carried out.
- 2025: the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction and ordered a new trial.
- Justin Sneed admitted the killing and testified Glossip put him up to it.
Why it matters: The plea came less than a month before a scheduled third trial. Sneed's testimony was the core of the state's case.
- 45 years was the maximum accessory sentence under the law at the time.
- Glossip's lawyers say good-behavior credits made him eligible for release in 2016.
How 6 sources split on this story
Where they split: Glossip's attorneys say he has served enough time, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office says it will seek more prison time.
Left coverage, 5 sources: The left sees a weakened prosecution that collapsed after the Supreme Court found false testimony and misconduct behind the conviction.
What’s next: Judge Mai will decide whether Glossip gets time served or additional punishment. The defense and the state reached no sentencing agreement.
- Drummond's office said after the hearing it will seek additional prison time.
- How much more prison time, if any, will Judge Mai impose?
- Will Glossip pursue legal claims against Oklahoma over his incarceration?
