An audio version of this story The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3–1 on Monday to hold a second, in-depth hearing on Julius Jones’ commutation application. Commutation is a two-stage process in Oklahoma. Jones' application, the first in the state being considered from an inmate on death row, was on Monday's docket for its stage one hearing. Board members Kelly Doyle, Adam Luck and Larry Morris voted for it. Board member Allen McCall voted against it. Jones was convicted of the murder of Edmond businessman Paul Howell in 2002 but has maintained his innocence. Jones' legal team has argued his defense was poor and the trial was tainted by racism, and celebrities have taken notice of his case because of a 2018 documentary about him.