Oklahoma court sets execution date for man who claims wrongful conviction

OKLAHOMA CITY, (KOKH) — On July 3, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals set an execution date for Emmanuel Littlejohn.

The execution date is now set for September 26, 2024.

Littlejohn was convicted of armed robbery and first-degree premeditated murder in 1994.

Littlejohn’s attorney released a statement regarding the timing of his execution:

Manuel Littlejohn suffers from significant brain injuries caused by multiple factors, including his teenage mother’s substance abuse during her pregnancy, which significantly impair his executive functions. His cognitive limitations were exacerbated by the relentless trauma and widespread neglect of his childhood. Manuel’s jury did not know these aspects of his history, nor did it know that his co-defendant, who may have been the real killer, had been sentenced to life in prison. In light of all the information available, Attorney General Drummond, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and Governor Stitt should recognize that Manuel’s death sentence is unjust and excessive.

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