Julius Jones's Story

Julius was a 19 year old student at the University of Oklahoma on his way to receiving a basketball scholarship when he was wrongly arrested and charged with first degree murder. The case against Julius was racially charged from the beginning. It is evident that his public defender carelessly defended him and racial discrimination played a significant role throughout the process. Eyewitnesses placed him in his parents’ home at the time of the murder, but were never given the opportunity to testify. Julius’ co-defendant admitted to being involved in the crime and is now free after testifying against Julius. He was heard bragging that he “set Julius up”. Newly-discovered evidence shows that at least one juror harbored racial prejudice that influenced his vote to convict and sentence Mr. Jones to death. Despite maintaining his innocence and multitudes of compelling evidence proving his innocence, Julius remains on death row. 

SMSL x #JusticeforJulius Campaign

Vic became familiar with this case when he received a DM from a woman stating she was introduced to Vic’s music from a man on death row named Julius Jones. Julius was signing his outgoing letters with “Theme Music We Could Be Free by Vic Mensa”. Understanding the impact he had on Julius, Vic began speaking with him and is dedicated to seeing him come home.

In Oklahoma, the Governor can approve the commutation of a sentence after favorable recommendation of the Pardon and Parole Board. SaveMoneySaveLife (SMSL) Founder, Vic Mensa, along with members of the SMSL team will be traveling to Oklahoma to assist in organizing at ground level in the month leading up to Julius’ final hearing and last chance at freedom.

During our time in Oklahoma, we will be joining his long-time advocate team, delivering these signatures to the Pardon and Parole Board. Additionally, SMSL will be commissioning a “Justice for Julius” mural in close proximity to the pardon and parole board offices, followed by a march and rally demanding the governor to save him. These efforts are a piece of what may be the last chance to save an innocent man’s life.

Julius will be executed by the State of Oklahoma for a crime he did not commit. With funding we will be able to document this experience and share his story in the crucial days leading up to his hearing and last opportunity to live.

Ways to Support

• Make a donation 
• Sign the Petition demanding justice for Julius (linked here)
• Call Oklahoma Governor John Kevin Stitt at (405) 521-2342
• Email the Oklahoma Pardon & Parole Board (linked here)

Media Coverage

To learn more, watch Viola Davis’ “The Last Defense” docuseries which closely-examines and exposes the flaws in Julius’ death row case and within the criminal justice system: linked here

Follow us on Instagram @savemoneysavelife and @justiceforjulius.

All donations to this fundraiser are tax deductible and will go directly to the costs associated with said events, and related costs to #JusticeforJulius campaign.

Thank you for your support!