Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has joined a movement calling on the governor of Oklahoma to overturn the conviction and free Julius Jones, a black man on death row for murder.
In a letter sent Thursday to the office of the Governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt and the state parole board, a copy of which was obtained by Time magazine, Prescott is arguing on behalf of Jones, writing that it is is an opportunity to correct a “miscarriage of justice”. “
“Current events shine a light on deep-seated prejudices and systemic mistreatment of black people, and I sincerely hope that today’s cultural movements will lead to significant social changes that will create a better future,” Prescott wrote. . “To that end, you are all in the unique position of being able to have a direct impact in dealing with a specific miscarriage of justice.”
Prescott has joined Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin, Trae Young and Buddy Hield of the NBA in urging the governor to spare Jones’ life. In his letter, Prescott spoke of his experience with racial injustice.
“As a black man in this country right now, I face injustices day in and day out, even as an athlete with ‘celebrity status’,” Prescott wrote.
In 2002 Jones was convicted of first degree murder for the death of Paul Howell. The 45-year-old businessman was shot in the head on July 28, 1999 while sitting in a vehicle in his parents’ driveway in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Jones has maintained his innocence, with him and his family claiming he was home at the time of the crime. Lawyers have pointed to issues such as racial bias, a flawed investigation and an ill-equipped defense as to why they believe Jones’ conviction should be overturned. Oklahoma City’s Black Lives Matter chapter included a switch for Jones in a list of demands that was presented to Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt on June 1.
“Having reviewed the facts of the Julius Jones case, I firmly believe that the wrong person is being punished for this terrible crime; furthermore, an assessment of the process which led to Mr Jones’ conviction raises serious legal issues and ethical, ”Prescott wrote. . “I implore you to correct this mistake. Please do not let another innocent black man die from the systemic abuse that has plagued our nation for too long.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter released a summary of the trial transcripts in the case last month which he said refutes what he described as “misinformation” provided to the public about Jones’ conviction.
“The point is, Julius Jones murdered Paul Howell in cold blood in front of his sister and daughters,” Hunter said. “No celebrity pleading or profusion of misinformation will change that.”
An execution date for Jones has not been set, but he has exhausted all his appeals. Hunter announced earlier this year that the state was ready to resume the lethal injections.
“Julius Jones’ treatment is the kind of miscarriage of justice that African American men like me fear, and that’s why I feel compelled to use the influence God blessed me to speak about. what I believe is right and to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, “Prescott wrote.” The case of Julius Jones is a clear example of what can happen to a person who has not the means to be represented by a lawyer, and what can happen to a black person at any time in this country – this is exactly why so many people are protesting for the changes that we so desperately need. “
In June, Prescott pledged $ 1 million “to improve police training and tackle systematic racism through education and advocacy in our country.” His promise was made after the death in May of George Floyd, who was killed while in custody in Minneapolis.
Information from Royce Young and Todd Archer of ESPN and The Associated Press was used in this report.
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