OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has recommended that the governor spare the life of Emmanuel Littlejohn, 52, who sits on death row for the 1992 shooting of convenience store owner Kenneth Meers during a robbery. The board’s tight 3-2 vote shifts the decision to Governor Kevin Stitt, who has previously granted clemency only once since taking office.
Littlejohn’s fate now lies in Stitt’s hands, who can choose to commute the death sentence to life without parole. In the past, Stitt has denied clemency in three other cases that resulted in execution. The case has drawn considerable attention, as it raises significant questions about the application of the death penalty in Oklahoma.
Following the board’s decision, Littlejohn’s sister, Augustina Sanders, expressed her hope for mercy, stating, “Just spare my brother’s life. He’s not the person they made him out to be.”
Governor Stitt has not yet made a public statement regarding this latest recommendation. His office has indicated that he consults with attorneys from both sides and the victim’s family before making a clemency decision.
Littlejohn was convicted and sentenced to death by two separate juries for the crime that led to Meers’ death at the age of 31. Prosecutors argued that Littlejohn and co-defendant Glenn Bethany aimed to rob the store to cover a drug debt, claiming Littlejohn shot Meers as he exited the back of the store.
Testimony from two teenagers working at the store identified Littlejohn as the shooter, while Bethany received a life sentence without parole.
During a recent hearing, Littlejohn apologized to Meers’ family and took responsibility for the robbery but maintained that he did not fire the deadly shot. He stated, “I’ve admitted to my part… but I didn’t kill Mr. Meers.”
Defense attorneys highlighted that robbery homicides are seldom subjected to the death penalty in Oklahoma, asserting that if tried today, Littlejohn would likely avoid such a sentence.
The legal debate has intensified over the prosecutorial decisions made years ago, particularly under former District Attorney Bob Macy, known for aggressively pursuing death sentences. Critics argue about the fairness of executing an individual when the case details involve shared culpability and inconclusive evidence.
As this case continues to unfold, Littlejohn’s future awaits a crucial decision from the governor.
