Episode 15 - OK v. Phillip Dean Hancock: A Tale of Two Murders

Based in Fact

In Episode 15, Lisa O’Brien and guest host Jennifer Harmon talked about State of Oklahoma v. Phillip Dean Hancock. Hancock’s November, 2023 execution was preceded by controversy, including claims by their least favorite Oklahoma legislators (one former and one current), who claimed that Hancock was exercising his “God-given right to defend himself,” when he brutally murdered two men, both of whom were unarmed and posed no threat to him. They looked at the 2001 murders of Robert Jett, Jr. and James Lynch, III, the evidence against Hancock, his trial, direct appeals and state and federal post-conviction claims, including an effort to use DNA testing to prove his claims of self-defense. Then they talked about the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommendation of clemency, Governor Stitt’s last minute denial and Hancock’s execution on November 30, 2023.

Jennifer Harmon is a well-known community advocate and Alert Neighbor captain in midtown Tulsa. Born and raised in Tulsa, Jennifer is a Navy veteran and holds a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. Jennifer co-founded Justice For Peggy Gaytan in 2011.