Convicted killer granted parole by Gov. Stitt after 40 years in prison

Governor Grants Parole for Convicted Killer

Wayne Thompson, convicted of first-degree murder, has been granted parole after more than four decades in prison. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed and finalized the parole certificate, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention since 1983.

Six-Month Stepdown Program

Thompson’s parole is not immediate. According to the signed parole certificate, he will be required to complete a six-month transition program through the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The process gradually moves an inmate through lower security levels before they are released into the community.

Landmark Case: Thompson v. Oklahoma

Thompson was convicted of first-degree murder at the age of 15 in Grady County. He was initially sentenced to death for the kidnapping and killing of Charles Keene, his sister’s alleged abuser.

Keene was also alleged to have beaten Thompson from the age of 8. In 1983, Thompson and his accomplices abducted Keene, who was beaten, shot, and stabbed before his body was found in the Washita River.

Thompson’s case quickly called attention to the lack of age limits on capital punishment in the United States. His sentence was commuted to life with the possibility of parole following a 1988 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which declared it unconstitutional to execute a person for a crime committed while under the age of 16.

Governor’s Decision

Over the years, Thompson made multiple bids for release, including one in 2003 when the board recommended parole, but it was denied by then-Governor Brad Henry.

With years of good conduct on his prison record, Thompson made another attempt earlier this year. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommended his parole during its January 2025 meeting. The recommendation was sent to Gov. Stitt, who approved his early release.

The certificate states that his parole will become final only after Thompson successfully completes the six-month transition period and has a verified home plan. If he fails to meet any of the outlined conditions, the Department of Corrections can recommend that parole be withdrawn before his release.

Conditions of Parole

Thompson’s parole comes with strict supervision and conditions, including:

1. Obeying all laws and avoiding contact with law enforcement
2. Reporting regularly to a parole officer
3. Remaining in Oklahoma unless granted written permission to travel
4. No alcohol or drug use
5. No firearms or weapons possession
6. No association with known felons or others on parole or probation
7. Participation in treatment or counseling, as directed

Thompson signed the conditions of parole on March 20, acknowledging that any violation could result in his parole being revoked.

What’s Next

The Department of Corrections will determine Thompson’s actual release date, which is expected to be sometime in October, assuming he completes the program without any misconduct.

Thompson’s supervision will continue upon release, under the authority of a probation officer.