Emmanuel Littlejohn is facing the possibility of being executed for the shooting death of a convenience store owner during a robbery in Oklahoma City in 1992. He has maintained that it was his accomplice, not him, who pulled the trigger. Despite a recommendation for clemency from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, the Attorney General is still arguing against it, calling Littlejohn a “violent and manipulative killer.” Littlejohn’s turbulent childhood and troubled past have been highlighted as factors to consider in his case. He has expressed regret and sought forgiveness from the victim’s family, while his own family has shown support and love throughout the process.
The case has drawn attention from anti-death penalty activists, including Reverend Jeff Hood, who believe that the evidence in the case is unclear and that there may have been prosecutorial misconduct. The clemency movement for Littlejohn has similarities to the one for Julius Jones, the only person to receive clemency since Governor Stitt lifted a moratorium on executions in 2020.
Littlejohn’s story brings up questions about the fairness and accuracy of the death penalty system, especially when there are doubts about the guilt of the accused. The decision on whether Littlejohn will be executed remains in the hands of the Governor, who has the power to grant clemency.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
