Richard Glossip Granted $500,000 Bond After Supreme Court Overturn

On May 14, 2026, Oklahoma County District Judge Natalie Mai set Richard Glossip’s bail at $500,000. The 63-year-old former death-row inmate must wear a GPS ankle monitor, keep a 10 p.m.–7 a.m. curfew, live with his wife Lea Glossip, and avoid travel outside Oklahoma, contact with witnesses, and use of alcohol or illegal drugs. Posting 10 percent of the bond ($50,000) will permit his release while he awaits a third trial for the 1997 killing of motel owner Barry Van Treese.

KOCO News 5

Richard Glossip was convicted in 1998 of first-degree murder for the 1997 beating death of Barry Van Treese, based largely on testimony from maintenance worker Justin Sneed, who claimed Glossip paid him $10,000. The conviction was vacated in 2001, reinstated after a 2004 retrial, and upheld in 2007. In February 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the conviction, citing prosecutorial misconduct and false testimony, and ordered a new trial. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced a retrial without seeking the death penalty.

The OklahomanKTVT - Dallas - Fort Worth NewsThe Hill

The bond order is an uncommon pre-trial release for a murder defendant in Oklahoma, underscoring concerns about due-process violations, prosecutorial misconduct, and the death-penalty system while illustrating the Supreme Court’s capacity to correct wrongful convictions.

The Oklahoman

Judge Mai wrote that the state must “rigorously prosecute” and that the defense is entitled to “robust representation.” Attorney Don Knight said the bond “rejects the State’s claim of a strong case for guilt.” AG Drummond’s office reiterated its intent to retry the case, emphasizing that a jury will decide guilt.

The Intercept

Prosecutors argued Glossip remains a danger and that the evidence, despite Sneed’s credibility issues, still supports a conviction, urging denial of bond.

The Intercept

Sources disagree on whether a 2023 plea-deal discussion between Drummond and Glossip’s team was finalized; the state says no agreement exists.

The Oklahoman

• “For the first time in 29 years of being incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, during which he faced 9 execution dates and ate 3 last meals, Mr. Glossip now has the chance to taste freedom,” — Don Knight, attorney

CNN

• “The court fully expects that the state will rigorously prosecute its case going forward and the defense will provide robust representation for Glossip,” — Judge Natalie Mai

Oklahoma's Richard Glossip, who was nearly executed 3 times, granted bond while awaiting retrial

• “The Court hopes that a new trial, free of error, will provide all interested parties, and the citizens of Oklahoma, the closure they deserve.” — Judge Natalie Mai

The Intercept

• “While we disagree with the court’s decision, we remain focused on retrying this case and securing a third conviction of Richard Glossip for the murder of Barry Van Treese,” — Shauna Peters, spokesperson for AG Drummond

The Hill

• “Both Richard and I are grateful for the court's decision,” — Lea Glossip, wife

Oklahoma's Richard Glossip, who was nearly executed 3 times, granted bond while awaiting retrial

A preliminary hearing is set for June 23, 2026; the state will not seek the death penalty, and Glossip’s team will contest Sneed’s testimony.

The Intercept