Oklahoma City Motel Owner’s Family Remains Confident in Glossip’s Guilt Despite Supreme Court Ruling

The family of Barry Van Treese, the Oklahoma City motel owner murdered in 1997, has expressed unwavering confidence that Richard Glossip will be found guilty once again, even after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction and ordered a new trial. The high court’s decision, penned by Justice Sonia Sotomayor in a majority opinion, centered on the prosecution’s failure to correct false testimony presented during Glossip’s trial, a violation of its constitutional obligations.

The Van Treese family’s perspective remains resolute. Derek Van Treese, Barry’s son, conveyed their conviction in a statement provided to Fox News Digital through their lawyer, Paul Cassell. "The family remains confident that when that new trial is held, the jury will return the same verdict as in the first two trials: guilty of first-degree murder," he asserted.

Cassell elaborated on the narrow scope of the Supreme Court’s ruling, emphasizing that it hinged on a procedural issue rather than a determination of Glossip’s innocence. "The burning issue here is of process and procedure. The U.S. Supreme Court has concluded that one small bit of impeachment evidence should have been presented at Glossip’s trial and has remanded for a new trial," he explained. He further argued that the consistent guilty verdicts from two previous juries underscore Glossip’s culpability. "Two juries have shown that the issue at hand isn’t one of guilt or innocence; Glossip is clearly guilty of first-degree murder."

The family’s long wait for justice was palpable in Derek Van Treese’s poignant statement. "For the last 10,276 days, we’ve been waiting for justice for the murder of Barry Van Treese," he lamented. Acknowledging the difficulty of revisiting a case nearly three decades old, he implored the Attorney General and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office to demonstrate the same perseverance the family has shown.

He urged them to prioritize justice over political considerations. "As difficult as it may be to start fresh on a 28-year-old case, I hope that the Attorney General and the Oklahoma County District Attorneys office can begin to show the perseverance that our family has shown throughout this process," he said. "We pray that they exhibit the fortitude to take politics out of the equation and process this case as it is, a death penalty case, and not take the easy road of a lesser charge."

Van Treese even suggested that if the prosecution felt unable to handle the burden of the case, they should recuse themselves to allow for a skilled prosecutor to take over. "If they find themselves unable to shoulder the burden, they should recuse themselves and allow someone with the aptitude and skill necessary to prosecute this case so it can finally be laid to rest, once and for all."

Glossip’s attorney, Don Knight, viewed the Supreme Court’s decision as a victory for justice and fairness. "It was a victory for justice and fairness in our judicial system," he told the Associated Press.

Glossip’s wife echoed this sentiment, expressing overwhelming gratitude and relief. "Rich and I opened the decision together on the phone this morning, knowing it would be a life-changing moment," she said in a text message to the AP. "To say that we are overcome with emotion is an understatement. We are deeply grateful. Today is truly an answered prayer."

Glossip, 62, remains incarcerated at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond stated that Glossip would remain in custody while he consults with the Oklahoma County district attorney to decide whether to pursue another trial, the death penalty, or lesser charges.

Drummond made it clear that he does not believe Glossip is innocent. "I do not believe Richard Glossip is innocent," he stated. He also expressed his condolences to the Van Treese family, acknowledging the difficult situation they face. "I have conferred with several members of the Van Treese family and given them my heartfelt sadness for where they are, where they find themselves."

The case against Glossip hinges on the testimony of Justin Sneed, who confessed to the murder of Barry Van Treese. Sneed claimed that Glossip orchestrated the murder-for-hire scheme. Glossip has consistently maintained his innocence, arguing that Sneed implicated him to avoid the death penalty.

The Supreme Court’s decision focused on the prosecution’s failure to disclose information about Sneed’s mental health and potential motivation for testifying against Glossip. This undisclosed information could have been used to impeach Sneed’s credibility and cast doubt on his testimony.

The prospect of a new trial presents a complex challenge for the prosecution, given the passage of time and the potential difficulties in gathering evidence and securing witness testimony. The defense will likely focus on attacking Sneed’s credibility and presenting alternative theories of the crime.

The case has attracted national attention, raising questions about the fairness of the death penalty and the potential for wrongful convictions. Glossip has become a cause célèbre for anti-death penalty advocates, who argue that his case exemplifies the flaws in the criminal justice system.

The Oklahoma Attorney General’s decision on how to proceed will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the death penalty. The Van Treese family’s unwavering belief in Glossip’s guilt underscores the enduring pain and frustration they have experienced throughout this long legal battle. The new trial, if it proceeds, will undoubtedly be a contentious and emotionally charged event.