SW News: Archbishop Paul S Coakley of Oklahoma has welcomed the decision of the state governor to commute the death sentence of an inmate. In the wake of thousands of Americans signing a petition seeking an end to capital punishment of a death row inmate in the state of Oklahoma, Governor J Kevin Stitt commuted the death sentence of Julius Jones to life imprisonment on Thursday, November 18, just hours before his scheduled execution.

The 41-year-old was convicted of first-degree murder in 2002 after he car-jacked and killed a former high school basketball player from Oklahoma City named Paul Howell. However, Jones denies any role in the murder. Archbishop Coakley issued a statement the same day from Baltimore where he was taking part in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The prelate said, “It took tremendous courage in the face of intense pressure for Gov. Stitt to grant clemency in this case. I applaud his commitment to seeking justice while providing the condemned an opportunity for redemption. To oppose the death penalty is not to be soft on crime. Rather, it is to be strong on the dignity of life.”

Earlier in the day, the prelate had offered Holy Mass for both the governor as well as the inmate on death row. The commuting of death sentence was also welcomed by Sister Helen Prejean who is a crusader for the abolition of the death penalty.

Governor Still issued a statement in which he said he took the decision to commute the sentence after prayerful consideration and careful review of all materials presented by all sides of the case. Although capital punishment has been commuted, the inmate will have to serve life imprisonment without parole.

The governor issued the order after citing Article 6 of the state constitution, making it clear that the convict will not be eligible to apply for or receive any additional commutation, pardon or parole.