On Wednesday, an Oklahoma board denied clemency for John Fitzgerald Hanson, a man convicted of killing a Tulsa woman in 1999. This decision paves the way for his execution, scheduled for June 12, 2025, following his expedited transfer from federal prison under the Trump administration's directives. Hanson's clemency petition was rejected by a vote of 3-2 by Oklahoma's five-member Pardon and Parole Board, making it impossible for Governor Kevin Stitt to commute his death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Hanson, now 61 years old, was sentenced to death in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, for the crimes of carjacking, kidnapping, and the murder of Mary Bowles. Court records indicate that he and an accomplice, Victor Miller, abducted Bowles from a shopping mall in Tulsa. The duo then drove her to a gravel pit near Owasso, where Miller shot and killed the property owner, Jerald Thurman. Following this, Hanson shot Bowles shortly after, according to prosecutors. While Hanson awaits execution, Miller was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his involvement in the crimes.
During the clemency hearing, Hanson expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he was “caught in a situation I couldn’t control” and would change the past if given the chance. He made these remarks via a video link from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. His attorneys contended that although Hanson participated in the kidnapping and carjacking, there was no concrete evidence proving he shot Bowles. They portrayed him as a troubled individual who suffers from autism spectrum disorder and was heavily influenced by Miller.
Supporters of Hanson highlighted positive aspects of his time in prison, including testimonies from prison employees describing him as a well-respected inmate with a good work ethic. Emma Rolls, from the Federal Public Defender’s office, characterized him as a remorseful man aiming to serve his time without causing any trouble.
Conversely, prosecutors and the victims' families questioned the genuineness of Hanson's remorse. Sara Mooney, the niece of Mary Bowles, pointed out that Hanson had not attempted to reach out or apologize to her over the past 26 years. Assistant Attorney General Michel Trapasso voiced skepticism about Hanson’s regret, suggesting it stemmed more from being caught rather than genuine remorse for the crime.
Hanson was transferred to Oklahoma custody in March 2025 as a result of federal policy changes under former President Donald Trump, who issued an executive order aimed at supporting more active death penalty enforcement. Both current Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and his predecessor had sought Hansen's transfer during President Joe Biden's administration but were denied by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, which cited that such a transfer was not in the public interest. Drummond, during the clemency hearing, expressed a strong belief that the Biden administration had protected Hanson from facing justice for an extended period.
