It was the definition of bittersweet.
On Thursday, just hours before he was scheduled to be executed by the state, Julius Jones was granted clemency by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. But Stitt, against the recommendation of the state's pardon and parole board that had twice recommended Jones' sentence be commuted to life with the possibility of parole — a board where three of the five members are his appointees — declared that Jones must remain caged for the rest of his natural life.
One way or another, Stitt is allowing Jones to die within custody of the state.