Oklahoma Parole Board Recommends Clemency for Death Row Inmate Arguing Self-Defense; Governor's Decision Pending

In a narrow vote, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has recommended clemency for death row inmate Phillip Dean Hancock, arguing that he acted in self-defense during a 2001 double homicide; Governor Kevin Stitt, who has granted clemency only once before, now faces the decision to uphold or deny the recommendation before the scheduled execution on November 30.

Phillip Dean Hancock, a death row inmate, has been recommended for clemency by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board based on the assertion that he acted in self-defense during a 2001 double homicide.
Hancock has consistently claimed that he shot and killed Robert Jett Jr. and James Lynch in self-defense after he was attacked by them. He alleges he was lured to Jett’s home, attacked, and forced into a large cage before managing to overpower Jett and shoot both men with Jett's own pistol.
The board's recommendation follows testimonies from Hancock himself, his attorneys, state lawyers, and family members of the deceased. Two Republican state legislators also testified on Hancock's behalf.
State attorneys countered Hancock's testimony, drawing attention to inconsistent accounts, evidence not aligning with his testimony, and a previous manslaughter charge. They also highlighted a witness's account of Hancock following an injured Jett into the backyard and confirming Jett’s impending death before shooting him again.
The deciding power now lies with Governor Kevin Stitt, who has only granted clemency once before, in 2021, to death row inmate Julius Jones. He has until November 30, the scheduled execution date, to make his decision.