Please help us end the wrongful murder convictions in Oklahoma.  Did you know in Oklahoma people are being sent to prison for murder who did not kill anyone?   

Under the Felony Murder Laws as written there are hundreds of individuals in Oklahoma that are currently serving inherently long sentences for a homicide they did not commit!

The Felony Murder Laws allow that even if someone was unaware that a killing would or did take place, they could still face a first-degree murder charge and receive a sentence that is equally or, in some cases, more severe than the one handed down to the person who actually committed murder.

By signing our petition you are telling the elected officials in Oklahoma you believe these laws need to be reformed or abolished like so many other states and Countries. 

These laws have historically been used to incarcerate young men of color and women.  Oklahoma is no different.  

Felony Murder Law Reform Oklahoma believes that the Felony Murder Laws/Doctrine used in Oklahoma are antiquated and out of date and we strongly believe reform is needed.   

Under a Reformed Law in Oklahoma a person could only be guilty of “felony murder” if:

1. The person is the actual killer.

2. The person acted with intent to kill, such as assisting the actual killer or encouraging the actual killer to kill the victim.

The above reforms would end the practice of sentencing people who did not commit a homicide (or even have knowledge that a homicide occurred) to a similar sentence as the person who committed a homicide. Additionally, law enforcement would have a powerful tool in their toolbox to help identify who was directly responsible for a murder.  We believe this reform would create a more proportional and equitable sentencing in Oklahoma , while serving public safety by holding those who harm or kill accountable for their actions. This reform would give the courts and judges the ability to convict and sentence people according to the actual crimes they committed.

We will push for these Reforms to be made retroactive. This would allow for anyone currently serving a sentence under any Felony Murder law in Oklahoma  to apply for a review and resentencing of their case. The reform would also allow the courts to review the evidence and the role of each person involved and have the charges revised according to the personal culpability and actions of each individual.  

Reforming  Oklahoma  laws in this way would allow for a more JUST and EQUITABLE Oklahoma! Individuals should be held responsible for the choices THEY make and the crimes THEY commit, but they should not be held responsible for the actions and decisions of another.

PLEASE By signing this petition and telling the elected officials in Oklahoma  that the Felony Murder Laws of Oklahoma must be reformed and those serving time under these laws allowed to be resentenced to the crimes they did commit!   

The law of felony-murder in the United States varies substantially jurisdiction to jurisdiction. It has been abolished by Hawaii, Kentucky, and Michigan. 

 

Abolish The Felony Murder Rule In Oklahoma