STOP the Execution of John Hanson

Oklahoma intends to execute John Hanson on June 12 for the 1999 murder of Mary Bowles. 

We oppose this execution as we do every execution. Capital punishment is an act of state sanctioned violence that violates the sacred dignity of every human life. In the words of Saint Pope John Paul II, “The dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil.”

John Hanson, who is autistic, endured a reprehensible era of juvenile corrections in Oklahoma. He was housed at infamous Boley and Helena institutions where conditions were very poor. Before that, Mr. Hanson suffered a deprived upbringing. He fell under the influence of eventual codefendant Mr. Miller who was arguably more culpable, including eventually confessing to the murder for which Mr. Hanson is on death row. 

Mr. Miller’s eventual confession to this murder was never heard by jurors who convicted Mr. Hanson. Despite his culpability, Mr. Miller is serving a sentence of life without parole. John Hanson has expressed clear remorse and taken responsibility for his role in the crime. 

As of today, three jurors have come forward with concerns about their death verdict after learning facts they never heard at trial. The judge presiding over John Hanson’s re-sentencing memorialized her opinion that life without parole, not the death penalty, would have been the appropriate sentence. This opinion, however, did not override the jury’s vote for a death sentence.

This judge was additionally concerned that race played a role in John Hanson’s sentencing — a concern which was confirmed when a juror affirmed that race was a factor and indeed that John Hanson “never had a chance with some of the jurors” given his and the victim’s races.

Contact Governor Stitt today and urge him to stop John Hanson’s execution.