PUBLIC AI Index: AMR 51/079/2008

16 July 2008

Further information on UA 187/08 (AMR 51/070/2008, 27 June 2008) and update (AMR 51/075/2008, 10 July 2008) – Death penalty

USA (Oklahoma) Kevin Young (m), black, aged 42

On 15 July, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry granted a 30-day stay of execution to Kevin Young in order to review the clemency recommendation made by the state Pardon and Parole Board on 8 July. Kevin Young was scheduled for execution on 22 July. His new execution date is 21 August.

In a statement announcing his decision to issue a stay, Governor Henry said: "This is a life and death matter, and a deliberative review process cannot be completed by the scheduled execution date. I take all clemency recommendations very seriously and will do my best to render a fair and just decision."

The Governor can accept or reject the Board’s recommendation for clemency. The statement issued by his office on 15 July emphasised that Governor Henry "has approved only one clemency recommendation since taking office in 2003."

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language, in your own words:

- expressing sympathy for any family of Joseph Sutton, and explaining that you are not seeking to excuse the manner of his death or to downplay the suffering caused;

- welcoming the decision of the state Pardon and Parole Board to recommend clemency for Kevin Young, and the decision by the Governor to issue a stay of execution;

- noting that the killing took place during a robbery that went "amiss," in the words of the state appeals court;

- noting that Kevin Young is facing execution for a crime committed by two people, that no one else has been convicted, and noting the absence of proof about which of the two attackers actually fired the fatal shot;

- calling on the Governor to accept the Board’s recommendation, and commute Kevin Young’s death sentence.

APPEALS TO:

Governor Brad Henry

StateCapitol Building

2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.

Room 212

Oklahoma City

OK 73105, USA
Fax: +1 405 521 3353

Email, via: http://www.gov.ok.gov/message.php

Salutation: Dear Governor

COPIES TO: diplomatic representatives of the USA accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY.