OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Lawyers for the state say an Oklahoma inmate scheduled for execution next week isn't entitled to a hearing on claims that he's innocent because witnesses who recently emerged are "inherently suspect."
In a court filing Thursday, the state said former inmates who stepped forward to aid Richard Glossip have a checkered past and could only offer questionable testimony.
Prosecutors say Glossip hired a man to kill the owner of the hotel where they both worked. The new court filing says the new witnesses don't undermine evidence linking Glossip to the crime.
Glossip is scheduled for execution Wednesday.
Separately, Glossip's lawyers are arguing in federal court that one of Oklahoma's preferred execution drugs, pentobarbital, is available if the state would seek it out. Oklahoma intends to use midazolam, a controversial sedative.