Former Death Row Inmate Richard Glossip Awaits Bond Hearing Ruling

Oklahoma judge requests more time to review trial transcripts before deciding on bond release.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Richard Glossip, a former death row inmate in Oklahoma, appeared in court for a bond hearing, but the judge has delayed making a decision. Glossip was convicted in 1997 for a murder-for-hire plot, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2025 that he did not receive a fair trial and ordered a new trial. The state is now seeking a life sentence instead of the death penalty. Glossip's attorneys argued he is entitled to bond and is not a flight risk, while prosecutors disagree, citing evidence and Glossip's past behavior. The judge has requested more time to review transcripts from Glossip's previous trials before making a ruling on the bond request.

Why it matters

This case has drawn national attention as Glossip has maintained his innocence for over 25 years. The Supreme Court's decision to overturn his conviction and death sentence has raised questions about the fairness of the original trial and the use of the death penalty. The outcome of the bond hearing and any future trial could have significant implications for criminal justice reform efforts in Oklahoma.

The details

Glossip was convicted in 1997 for orchestrating the murder-for-hire of his boss, Barry Van Treese. He was sentenced to death, but in 2025 the Supreme Court ruled that he did not receive a fair trial and ordered a new trial. The state is now seeking a life sentence instead of the death penalty. During Thursday's bond hearing, Glossip's attorneys argued he is entitled to bond, is not a flight risk, and that the evidence against him is flawed. Prosecutors, however, believe there is sufficient evidence of Glossip's guilt and that he poses a flight risk due to his past behavior. The judge has requested more time to review the trial transcripts before making a decision on the bond request.

  • Glossip was convicted in 1997 for the murder-for-hire of his boss, Barry Van Treese.
  • In February 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Glossip did not have a fair trial and threw out his conviction and death sentence, ordering a new trial.
  • The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office announced in 2025 that they are not seeking the death penalty against Glossip and plan to seek a sentence of life in prison.
  • Glossip appeared in court on Thursday, February 12, 2026, for a bond hearing.
  • The judge has requested the trial transcripts within 30 days and expects to issue a written ruling 15 to 30 days after that.

The players

Richard Glossip

A former death row inmate in Oklahoma who was convicted in 1997 for orchestrating the murder-for-hire of his boss, Barry Van Treese. In 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Glossip did not receive a fair trial and ordered a new trial, with the state now seeking a life sentence instead of the death penalty.

Barry Van Treese

Glossip's boss who was murdered in 1997, leading to Glossip's conviction for orchestrating the murder-for-hire.

Judge Natalie Mai

The judge presiding over Glossip's case after several other judges recused themselves. She has requested more time to review the trial transcripts before deciding on Glossip's bond request.

Don Knight

Glossip's attorney, who argued that Glossip is entitled to bond, is not a flight risk, and that the evidence against him is flawed.

Gentner Drummond

The Oklahoma Attorney General who announced in 2025 that the state is not seeking the death penalty against Glossip and plans to seek a life sentence instead.

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What they’re saying

“We think this is the first opportunity Mr. Glossip has in 29 years to get a bond.”

— Don Knight, Glossip's attorney (KFOR)

“We all want to be able to go to the doctors when we need to go to the doctors and have the testing done that we need to have testing done.”

— Don Knight, Glossip's attorney (KFOR)

“I certainly support her right to have whatever information she needs to make her a fair determination.”

— Don Knight, Glossip's attorney (KFOR)

What’s next

A hearing was scheduled for April 10 to enforce an agreement that Glossip's attorneys say they had with Attorney General Gentner Drummond to release Glossip. The judge is expected to issue a written ruling on the bond request 15 to 30 days after receiving the trial transcripts within the next 30 days.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the fairness of the criminal justice system, particularly in death penalty cases. The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Glossip's conviction and the state's decision to seek a life sentence instead of the death penalty suggest that there may have been flaws in the original trial. The outcome of the bond hearing and any future trial could have significant implications for criminal justice reform efforts in Oklahoma.