Richard Glossip, 63, walked free from Oklahoma State Penitentiary on Thursday, his bail totaling $500,000 posted by Kim Kardashian. Glossip had been on death row for nearly 30 years, awaiting a retrial for a first-degree murder charge.
The US Supreme Court previously vacated Glossip's conviction, citing prosecutorial allowance of false testimony during his original trial. Prosecutors have since stated they will retry Glossip for first-degree murder but will not pursue the death penalty. A judge ruled Glossip could not constitutionally be denied bail, given the circumstances.
Upon his release, Glossip, who has consistently maintained his innocence, expressed overwhelming gratitude. His wife, Lea Glossip, was present as he left prison. Kardashian’s involvement in facilitating his release was announced via social media, detailing her financial contribution.
The terms of Glossip's release are stringent. He is mandated to wear an electronic monitoring device, remain within Oklahoma, avoid contact with witnesses involved in his case, and abstain from drug and alcohol consumption.
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This development follows years of legal challenges and advocacy. Actress Susan Sarandon has also publicly supported Glossip's case over time. Documentaries and celebrity campaigns have highlighted arguments that Glossip did not receive a fair trial. The court filings underscore that Glossip's release comes with these strict conditions.
