Gov. Kevin Stitt will make the final determination. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Littlejohn is set to die Sept. 26 by lethal injection for the 1992 shooting death of Kenny Meers during a convenience store robbery. Meers was shot in the face.
Board members Richard A. Miller and Kevin Buchanan voted against clemency. Members Edward Konieczny, H. Calvin Prince III and Robert Reavis II voted for clemency.
The action came after Littlejohn, his family members and Meers’ family made emotional pleas for and against mercy.
Littlejohn, who appeared by video, said he wanted to speak to the Meers’ family.
“I have caused y’all so much hurt and I’m sorry,” he said.
He said he thinks about the crime every waking moment.
“I was a young man who was mad at the world,” he said, adding that three decades later, he is a different person. He was 20 in 1992 and is now 52.
Meers was twice sentenced to die, but maintained he was not the shooter, a claim prosecutors refuted.
“I know I didn’t kill Mr. Meers,” Littlejohn said. “I admitted to my part. I committed a robbery that had devastating consequences, but I repeat, I didn’t kill Mr. Meers.”
Glenn Bethany received life without parole for his role.
Bill Meers said his brother was 31 years old with his whole life ahead of him.
“I believe my mom died of a broken heart,” Bill Meers said.
He said he was angry and questioned God’s plan.
Bill Meers asked the board not to change the decision of two juries.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond also argued against clemency.
Drummond said he was disappointed in the board’s decision, but appreciated their thoughtful deliberation.
“I remain steadfast that the family of Kenny Meers has waited far too long for justice to be done,” Drummond said. “My office intends to make our case to the governor why there should not be clemency granted to this violent and manipulative killer.”
Drummond’s office argued that Littlejohn had a history of violent behavior starting at a young age and continuing through his incarceration.
Defense attorneys argued that the juries were confused about sentencing, that he came from a troubled childhood and is not in good health.
He now has a positive relationship with his mother, daughter and grandchildren, they said.
“Please don’t kill my son,” said Ceily Mason, his mother.
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