Judge to weigh alleged plea deal in Richard Glossip case

The court will review claims of a proposed agreement that could have led to Glossip’s immediate release.

Monday, July 21st 2025, 11:09 am

By: Samantha Rupe

Former death row inmate Richard Glossip returned to the courtroom on Monday as a judge considers whether a plea deal was ever on the table in his high-profile murder case.

Attorneys for Glossip say emails suggest a plea agreement had been negotiated with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office last year. But prosecutors argue no such deal was ever finalized.

Here’s what we know so far:

The Alleged Plea Agreement

Court documents filed last week by Glossip’s defense team include emails they say show an agreement was discussed with Attorney General Gentner Drummond in 2023.

According to those records, Glossip would have pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to murder. In exchange, he would receive credit for time already served that could potentially allow for his immediate release.

The State’s Response

Despite the emails, officials with the Attorney General’s Office say no official plea deal was reached. They also described recent attempts to negotiate as “fruitless.”

The disagreement over whether a deal was ever in place is expected to be a key focus of the hearing.

The Case Background

Glossip was convicted in the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese, who managed an Oklahoma City motel where Glossip worked. The case has drawn national attention for years due to questions about the evidence and legal process.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated Glossip’s first-degree murder conviction, citing significant mistakes made during his original trial.