Former death row inmate, Richard Glossip, moved to Oklahoma County jail as prosecutors weigh next steps

Richard Glossip, a former death row prisoner whose case drew national attention, has been moved from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester to the Oklahoma County Jail following a Supreme Court ruling that overturned his murder conviction.

Now, the state must decide if Glossip will face a third trial.

Glossip Moved to Oklahoma County Jail

On Tuesday morning, 62-year-old Glossip was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail after the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals issued an official order to return his case to the lower court.

The U.S. Supreme Court vacated his conviction in February, finding that prosecutors withheld key evidence that could have bolstered Glossip’s claims of innocence.

🔹See Also: Richard Glossip Case: Full timeline of his 27 years on death row

Background: The 1997 Murder Case

Glossip was twice convicted of orchestrating the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese, his boss and the owner of an Oklahoma City motel.

Justin Sneed, a co-defendant who admitted to carrying out the killing, testified that Glossip had hired him to do it.

Despite two trials ending in death sentences, Glossip maintained his innocence for more than two decades on death row.

Family of the Victim Speaks Out

Members of Van Treese’s family have expressed frustration with the prolonged legal battle. They’ve said they feel as though they, too, have been imprisoned — waiting for justice that has yet to be delivered.

Legal Team Responds to Court’s Action

Glossip’s legal team released a statement following the transfer, saying:

“This move has been expected since the Supreme Court vacated his conviction in February and the mandate that [was] issued from the OCCA on April 18, 2025. We look forward to further proceedings in the District Court.”

What Prosecutors Are Considering

The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that it is reviewing the case, along with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. A decision on whether to refile charges could come within weeks.

Co-defendant Remains in Prison

While Glossip’s future is uncertain, Sneed remains in prison serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

What’s Next in the Case?

With the case back in the hands of the district court, prosecutors must now decide whether to try Glossip a third time or drop the charges. His legal team has vowed to continue fighting for full exoneration.

Previous Coverage:

🔹Oklahoma inmate Richard Glossip could be moved following Supreme Court ruling

🔹What's next? Legal analyst on Glossip ruling

🔹Oklahoma's Own In Focus: Supreme Court overturns Richard Glossip's conviction; DA to decide next steps