On Thursday, September 4, 2025, KFOR reported that Richard Glossip, a former death row inmate, is still awaiting a new trial after the recusal of a second judge in his ongoing legal case. This follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn his previous conviction.
Glossip appeared in an Oklahoma County courtroom on the morning of September 4, greeting his wife before taking a seat with his legal team. Judge Heather Coyle had previously recused herself from the case during the last hearing, and now Judge Kathryn Stallings has also stepped down, though the reasons for her recusal remain undisclosed.
Criminal Defense Attorney Joe Griffin suggested that the judges’ backgrounds may play a role in their decisions to recuse themselves. Both judges previously served as prosecutors, which can be viewed as a potential conflict of interest in this case. Griffin noted that a judge with such a background might have been involved in earlier stages of the case, raising concerns about impartiality.
Glossip’s attorney, Don Knight, did not comment on the matter during the recent hearing. However, he previously stated that his primary goal is to ensure that Attorney General Gentner Drummond adheres to an agreement made with their legal team. This arrangement stipulates that Glossip would refrain from suing the state in exchange for his release from prison.
If a judge without a prosecutorial background cannot be found, options may include appointing a judge from another county or judicial district. The date for the next hearing has yet to be determined.
Source: KFOR
