lawrota.com

In a shocking turn of events, Oklahoma recently executed Phillip Hancock against the recommendation of the state’s Pardon and Parole Board, raising serious questions about the efficacy of the legal system. Hancock, convicted in a 2001 double-murder, claimed self-defense, and the board, in a narrow 3-2 vote, urged Governor Kevin Stitt to grant clemency.

Despite having three weeks to consider the recommendation, Governor Stitt only made a decision at the eleventh hour, allowing the execution process to move forward. The execution, scheduled for 10 a.m., commenced late as the Oklahoma Department of Corrections awaited the governor’s clemency decision.

Shawn Nolan, one of Hancock’s lawyers, expressed outrage at Stitt’s rejection of clemency, stating, “The state of Oklahoma unlawfully killed Phillip Hancock today in spite of a recommendation for clemency from the Board.” Nolan argued that Hancock’s case was one of clear self-defense, emphasizing the governor’s dismissal of evidence supporting Hancock’s claim.

The execution of Phillip Hancock marked the 24th in the U.S. in 2023, with Oklahoma alone accounting for four. The finality of Hancock’s death underscored the deadliest year for executions in the past five years, as per the Death Penalty Information Center. It’s noteworthy that although execution rates were high, the number of states participating remained relatively low compared to previous years.

source: Twenty-four executions in 2023 – by Chris Geidner (lawdork.com)

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