Oklahoma governor stops execution of man convicted in 2002 killing

Criminal Justice System & Legal Proceedings - Oklahoma governor halted an execution minutes before it was scheduled, commuting the sentence to life without parole due to concerns about the trial and new evidence in a 2002 robbery-turned-deadly stabbing [1] - Clemency is rare, especially with a surge in state executions, with over 40 executions this year, the most in about 15 years, partly driven by Florida [2] - Doubts were raised due to the brother's confession to the murder and claims of incompetent legal representation, including allegations of drug use by the attorney [4][5] - The governor stated the clemency reflects the brother's punishment for the murder and ensures the violent offender remains off the streets [6] State Execution Trends - Florida has executed 15 prisoners this year, a record in the modern era, and is expected to execute another [2][3] - Florida's governor has ordered more executions in a single year than any other governor since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976 [7] - The governor's goal is to bring justice to victims' families who have waited decades for death sentences to be carried out [8]