Judge Blocks Bond for Ex-Death Row Inmate Richard Glossip

Richard Glossip Denies Bond as He Awaits Third Trial in Murder-for-Hire Case

Richard Glossip, a former death row inmate, will remain in jail while he awaits his third trial in a murder-for-hire case. On Wednesday, July 23, Oklahoma County District Judge Heather Coyle denied his request for release on his own recognizance. In a written order, the judge concluded that prosecutors had provided sufficient evidence to establish a strong presumption of Glossip’s guilt in the capital offense.

The decision was seen as a win for the prosecution, which argued that the evidence supporting Glossip’s guilt and the likelihood of conviction at a new trial remain robust. However, Glossip’s defense attorneys maintained that the chances of a conviction are now minimal. They emphasized that Glossip’s legal history reflects a commitment to seeking justice and upholding his rights through lawful means.

Glossip, now 62 years old, is facing a third trial because the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his previous murder conviction in February. The reversal was based on claims of prosecutorial misconduct during his last trial.

Accusations Against Richard Glossip

Glossip is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly orchestrating the killing of Barry Van Treese, his boss and an Oklahoma City motel owner. Van Treese, who was 54 and lived in Lawton, was found beaten to death in Room 102 of the Best Budget Inn on January 7, 1997.

Justin Sneed, a motel maintenance worker, confessed to the murder, stating that he used a baseball bat during the incident. He claimed that a window broke during their struggle and that Glossip had pressured him into committing the act, offering $10,000 as payment. Sneed testified against Glossip in both trials.

Glossip, however, maintains that he was framed. His legal team argues that Sneed actually killed Van Treese during a botched robbery for drug money. They claim Sneed incriminated Glossip to avoid the death penalty and later considered recanting his testimony.

The Supreme Court's Role

The U.S. Supreme Court was divided in its decision to overturn Glossip’s conviction. The majority of justices found that prosecutors failed to correct false testimony from Sneed regarding why he had been prescribed lithium in jail. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond had previously supported Glossip, arguing that his 2004 retrial was unfair.

Despite this, Drummond announced in June that Glossip would be prosecuted again for first-degree murder. However, the death penalty is no longer being sought in this case.

The Judge’s Ruling

Judge Coyle reviewed transcripts from Glossip’s preliminary hearing, his 1998 trial, and his 2004 retrial before making her decision. In her 17-page order, she focused only on the parts of Sneed’s testimony that were corroborated by other witnesses and evidence.

She specifically noted Sneed’s testimony that Glossip instructed him to say two drunks broke the window in Room 102 if anyone asked and that they would clean the downstairs rooms so the housekeeper wouldn’t see the body. “Multiple witnesses support that Mr. Glossip followed through with this plan,” she wrote.

Glossip told police detectives toward the end of a second interview, “I never intended for Barry to ever get hurt,” according to the judge’s order.

If the judge had granted a personal recognizance bond, Glossip would have been released without putting up any money. Such bonds are rare. The judge could have also set a specific bond amount. For example, the bond for a woman charged with first-degree murder over a jail overdose death is set at $1 million.

Why Glossip Became a High-Profile Inmate

Glossip became one of Oklahoma’s most well-known death row inmates due to celebrity support for his innocence claim, his close calls with execution, and the 2017 documentary "Killing Richard Glossip." Among his supporters is Kim Kardashian, a famous socialite and reality TV star.

Phil McGraw, host of the daytime show "Dr. Phil," spoke at a rally for Glossip at the state Capitol in 2023. He said, “We are here today to make sure Richard Glossip at least gets a fair trial.” He also expressed his belief that Glossip should be set free.

Glossip’s legal team has highlighted that he has come so close to being executed that he has had three “last meals.” On September 30, 2015, a doctor realized a pharmacist had supplied the wrong drug about three hours before his lethal injection was to begin. This mistake contributed to a pause in executions in Oklahoma that lasted until October 2021.

What Else Is Before the Judge?

Glossip is seeking to avoid trial by pleading guilty to accessory to murder after the fact. His attorneys claimed they reached a deal with the Oklahoma Attorney General in 2023, but the AG stated the deal was never finalized.

Under the proposed agreement, Glossip would receive a 45-year sentence after pleading guilty to an accessory charge. He would receive credit for time already served and be released immediately. In exchange, he would not sue over his arrest and incarceration.

Glossip is asking the judge to enforce the deal. Judge Coyle plans to meet with attorneys again on August 14 to schedule a hearing on the request.