A man who spent nearly three decades on death row in Oklahoma could soon walk free after a judge granted him bail while he waits for a new murder trial.
Former Death Row Inmate Granted Bail After 29 Years
Richard Glossip, 63, has been granted $500,000 bail by an Oklahoma judge as he prepares for a retrial in the 1997 murder case that kept him behind bars for nearly 29 years.
The decision could allow Glossip to leave jail for the first time in decades if he is able to post bail and meet strict release conditions.
Murder Conviction Overturned
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Glossip’s murder conviction and death sentence, ordering a new trial.
The ruling came after the court found serious problems in the original prosecution, including claims that prosecutors failed to correct false testimony and withheld important evidence.
The decision ended one of Oklahoma’s most closely watched death penalty cases.
Strict Bail Conditions Ordered
Court records show that if Glossip is released on bail, he must follow several strict conditions, including:
- Wearing a GPS ankle monitor
- Following a court-ordered curfew
- Avoiding all contact with witnesses
- Complying with additional court supervision
These restrictions will remain in place until his retrial begins.
Case Dates Back to 1997 Motel Killing
Glossip was originally convicted in the 1997 killing of Barry Van Treese, the owner of an Oklahoma City motel where Glossip worked as a handyman.
Prosecutors claimed Glossip hired another man, Justin Sneed, to carry out the murder in exchange for money.
Sneed later testified against Glossip as part of a plea deal and received life in prison without parole.
Glossip, however, was sentenced to death.
Supreme Court Questions Key Testimony
In its ruling, the Supreme Court found that prosecutors allegedly failed to disclose important information about Sneed’s psychiatric condition and did not correct false testimony presented during trial.
The court also raised concerns about destroyed evidence and withheld witness statements.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted that Sneed’s testimony was the only direct evidence connecting Glossip to the murder, making his credibility central to the case.
Attorney Calls Decision Historic
Glossip’s legal team described the bail decision as a major turning point after decades of imprisonment.
Over the years, Glossip survived nine execution dates while continuing to maintain his innocence.
Now, for the first time in nearly three decades, he may soon have the opportunity to live outside prison walls while fighting for a full acquittal.
Case Continues to Draw National Attention
The Richard Glossip case has become one of America’s most debated criminal justice stories, raising questions about prosecutorial misconduct, witness credibility, and the fairness of the death penalty system.
With a retrial now ahead, the case is expected to remain under intense public and legal scrutiny.
