Judge Rejects Plea Deal for Former Death Row Inmate

Richard Glossip's request to uphold agreement with Oklahoma Attorney General denied by court.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:14am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a pair of metal handcuffs reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light, conceptually representing the uncertainty and high stakes of a former death row inmate's legal case.The rejected plea deal leaves the future of a former death row inmate in limbo, exposing the complexities of the criminal justice system.Oklahoma City Today

Former death row inmate Richard Glossip's request for a judge to uphold a plea agreement with the Oklahoma Attorney General has been rejected by the court. Glossip was convicted in 1997 of the murder-for-hire of his former boss, motel owner Barry Van Treese. His co-defendant, Justin Sneed, admitted to the actual killing but testified that Glossip hired him to commit the crime.

Why it matters

Glossip has maintained his innocence for over 20 years and his case has drawn national attention, with many arguing that he was wrongfully convicted. The rejection of the plea deal is a setback in his efforts to be exonerated and avoid a potential death sentence if the case goes to trial again.

The details

In the rejected plea deal, Glossip would have pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of first-degree manslaughter and received a 15-year prison sentence, time served. However, the judge ruled that the agreement was not in the best interest of justice, though the specific reasons were not disclosed.

  • Glossip was convicted of the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese.
  • Glossip has been on death row for over 20 years.

The players

Richard Glossip

A former death row inmate who was convicted in 1997 of the murder-for-hire of his former boss, motel owner Barry Van Treese.

Justin Sneed

Glossip's co-defendant who admitted to the actual killing but testified that Glossip hired him to commit the crime.

Barry Van Treese

The motel owner who was murdered in 1997, whose death led to Glossip's conviction.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to fight for justice in this case and ensure that an innocent man is not executed.”

— Dale Baich, Glossip's attorney

What’s next

Glossip's attorneys plan to appeal the judge's rejection of the plea deal, and the case may go to trial again if no further plea agreement is reached.

The takeaway

The rejection of the plea deal is a setback in Glossip's long-running efforts to be exonerated, but his legal team remains committed to proving his innocence and preventing his potential execution.