What is Wrong with the Oklahoma PPB? With Amy Kingry and Jennifer Harmon

Based in Fact

In Episode 2, I’m joined by Amy Kingry and Jennifer Harmon to talk about the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. Before the controversial decision to break their own rules to consider Julius Jones’ requests for commutation and clemency, the board was the target of a criminal investigation into its processes after questions were raised about the release of Lawrence Anderson, who was released after serving only 3 years of a 20 year sentence handed down in 2017. The fact that his request for release was denied 2019 should’ve made him ineligible to reapply in 2020. Shortly after his release, Anderson committed a grisly triple-murder. In what is likely to be a developing situation, Amy, Jennifer and Lisa will talk about the rules governing the board, the irregularities in the board’s consideration of Jones’ applications, the resignation of Adam Luck and Governor Stitt’s replacement appointee.

About Amy: Amy is a native of Edmond, Oklahoma and has been a paralegal in Oklahoma City for 21 years. Amy co-founded Oklahoma Victims Innocence Project. OKVIP is a community organization dedicated to supporting victims/survivors of violent crime as they navigate post-conviction litigation. Oklahoma Victims Innocence Project’s goal is to let victims of violent crimes know that they have a voice to speak the truth, even though those voices shake. She’s also the proud mom of 5 children and bonus mom to 3 step-children, so there’s never a dull moment in her life. She’s also a cross-fit enthusiast and, with her significant other, fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and OKC Thunder.

About Jennifer: Jennifer Harmon is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a community advocate, Alert Neighbor Captain and a Navy veteran. She holds a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. Jennifer co-founded Oklahoma Victims Innocence Project, a community organization dedicated to supporting victims and survivors of violent crime as they navigate the post-conviction litigation process. In 2011, she was a co-founder of Justice For Peggy Gaytan, a city-wide publicity campaign comprised of residents across Tulsa, local media, and small business owners, which was instrumental in helping police make an arrest in the tragic murder of grandmother Peggy Gaytan on December 22, 2011. Jennifer and her husband live in the heart of midtown Tulsa and are fans of the OKC Thunder. Jennifer also spends her free time educating students and midtown neighbors about the Barred Owls of Midtown Tulsa, including tending the livestream.

Finally, we’re joined tonight by Kyle Steinhauser, a candidate for the co-host slot. While I think he’ll be fine, we’ll see how he feels at the end of the episode.