Oklahoma's Third Judge is Recused from Death Row Case Over Ties to Original Prosecutor, Raises Questions About Fairness of Trial.
A contentious evidentiary hearing has ended with a judge recusing herself from Richard Glossip’s murder case due to her personal ties to the original prosecutor, Fern Smith. Susan Stallings, who presided over Glossip's trial, had worked under Smith in the 1990s and had traveled together on multiple occasions, including a trip to Spain.
Despite Stallings' claims that their relationship was minimal, Glossip's lawyers argued that her connection to Smith raised questions about her impartiality. The defense team had sent Smith a subpoena for emails and text messages related to their interactions, but she failed to produce any documentation.
Stallings denied knowing the full extent of Smith's misconduct in Glossip's case, including an order to destroy evidence. However, it was revealed that Stallings had emailed Smith after absolving her of misconduct allegations, which further raised concerns about fairness.
The hearing is part of a larger investigation into prosecutorial misconduct in Oklahoma's death penalty cases. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has recommended clemency for Tremane Wood, who is set to be executed on November 13, but the decision was ultimately made by Governor Kevin Stitt, who granted clemency just hours before Wood's scheduled execution.
The case highlights issues of bias and fairness in the justice system, particularly in cases involving death penalty convictions. The Intercept has reported extensively on prosecutorial misconduct in Oklahoma and other states, and this latest development underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.
A contentious evidentiary hearing has ended with a judge recusing herself from Richard Glossip’s murder case due to her personal ties to the original prosecutor, Fern Smith. Susan Stallings, who presided over Glossip's trial, had worked under Smith in the 1990s and had traveled together on multiple occasions, including a trip to Spain.
Despite Stallings' claims that their relationship was minimal, Glossip's lawyers argued that her connection to Smith raised questions about her impartiality. The defense team had sent Smith a subpoena for emails and text messages related to their interactions, but she failed to produce any documentation.
Stallings denied knowing the full extent of Smith's misconduct in Glossip's case, including an order to destroy evidence. However, it was revealed that Stallings had emailed Smith after absolving her of misconduct allegations, which further raised concerns about fairness.
The hearing is part of a larger investigation into prosecutorial misconduct in Oklahoma's death penalty cases. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has recommended clemency for Tremane Wood, who is set to be executed on November 13, but the decision was ultimately made by Governor Kevin Stitt, who granted clemency just hours before Wood's scheduled execution.
The case highlights issues of bias and fairness in the justice system, particularly in cases involving death penalty convictions. The Intercept has reported extensively on prosecutorial misconduct in Oklahoma and other states, and this latest development underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.
. It's just another reminder that even with the best intentions, things can go awry if we're not vigilant about conflicts of interest and transparency. I mean, who wouldn't want to know about the connections between judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers? 
It's all about being open and honest in our pursuit of justice. Maybe this recusal will lead to a more thorough investigation into prosecutorial misconduct in Oklahoma... that would be a step in the right direction, don't you think? 
. I mean, what's next? The judge being married to the cop who investigated him? 
This whole thing reeks of a conflict of interest, and it's about time someone called her out for it 
. And let's be real, if this were happening in any other state, there would be outrage 
. But nope, Oklahoma gets a free pass... again? 
. It's no wonder Glossip's lawyers are pushing for a new trial - if Stallings was so close to Smith, how could she possibly remain impartial? This whole thing is just a huge concern for me... it makes you question everything about the justice system 
.
but seriously though, it's pretty messed up that the judge got recused due to her ties to the prosecutor... that's some serious bias right there. 
and what's with all the lack of transparency? emails and text messages were requested, but nobody produced anything 
i mean, can't we just have a simple record of interactions instead of all this back-and-forth nonsense? 
and now they're asking questions about fairness in death penalty cases... it's like, don't these people know that layout is key to clarity? 
Anyway, it's not like this is a huge deal or anything. One little recusal shouldn't throw off the entire justice system. And yeah, because nothing says "impartiality" like an email exchange between two old friends about how to sweep evidence under the rug . I mean, who wouldn't trust a judge who's pals with the guy who was trying to get her fired over misconduct allegations? 