Oklahoma governor rejects clemency for death row inmate

The Pardon and Parole Board had recommended against clemency for the man who was sentenced to death for killing a man with a hammer.

James Coddington was sentenced to death for the murder of his friend and coworker, Albert Hale. According to prosecutors, Coddington became enraged when Hale wouldn't give him money to purchase cocaine.

The execution is expected to take place on Thursday morning.

Stitt denied the Pardon and Parole Board's clemency recommendation for James Allen Coddington after thoroughly reviewing arguments and evidence.

At a clemency hearing this month before the state's five-member Pardon and Parole Board, an emotional Coddington apologized to Hale's family and said he is a different man today.

I know I'm not clean. He told the board that he was not a vicious murderer. My death sentence will be over if this ends today.

The son of Albert Hale had urged the parole board not to recommend clemency.

Hale said that the family could put this behind them. "No one is happy that someone is dying, but he chose this path and lost."

Hale said he, his wife, goddaughter and a friend were going to see the execution.

Years of alcohol and drug abuse began when he was an infant and his father put beer and whiskey into his baby bottles.

There are no pending appeals that would delay or stop his execution.

Rolls said in a statement that they appreciated the pardons board's consideration of James Coddington's life and case.

Rolls said that the Board's clemency recommendation acknowledged James's sincere remorse and meaningful transformation.

The chair of the Oklahoma Coalition to Apealish the Death Penalty said there is no mercy or forgiveness in Stitt's heart.

I am angry at the governor for rejecting clemency for James Coddington. Stitt's statement doesn't give a reason for his denial, it simply states that a jury convicted Coddington of first degree murder and sentenced him to death

There are 25 executions planned over the next 29 months. The hearings for the Pardon and Parole Board are likely to be meaningless.

The parole board made a recommendation for clemency.

Before making his decision, Stitt said he would meet with Hale's family, prosecutors and Coddington's attorneys.

After his initial sentence was overturned on appeal, Coddington was sentenced to death again.

Julius Jones was granted clemency by Stitt just hours before he was to be executed. Jones was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

There were protests in Oklahoma City in the days leading up to Jones' scheduled execution date after he was featured in a three-part documentary called "The Last Defense."

In an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month, Stitt said that allowing Jones to be executed would have torn our state apart.