Oklahoma Drops Murder Charge Against Richard Glossip, Avoiding Third Trial

Richard Glossip, 63, has agreed to plead guilty to being an accessory after the fact, and an Oklahoma judge has dismissed the murder charge that would have led to a third trial. The deal brings a possible end to his 30-year case, but leaves the question of whether he will face more prison time for the judge to decide.

Glossip was twice convicted and sentenced to death for the 1997 killing of motel owner Barry Van Treese; Justin Sneed admitted the killing and testified that Glossip had arranged it. The US Supreme Court overturned Glossip’s conviction in 2025, citing false testimony and prosecutorial misconduct. His lawyers say time served and good-behaviour credits mean he should be released, while prosecutors intend to seek additional time; sentencing is scheduled for December.