No bail for Glossip after judge rules in favor of Drummond's prosecutors

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 24, 2025) – Oklahoma County District Court Judge Heather Coyle denied bond yesterday for Richard Glossip, concluding that “the State has sufficiently shown by clear and convincing evidence that the presumption of the defendant’s guilt of a capital offense is great.”

Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he is pleased with the ruling against bond for Glossip, a former death row inmate who faces a new trial for the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese.

“I am pleased that Judge Coyle recognized my office met our burden in demonstrating that Glossip is not entitled to bond pending his trial for the murder of Mr. Van Treese,” Drummond said. “I am committed to ensuring the defendant’s constitutional right to a fair trial and finally delivering true justice to the Van Treese Family after so many long years.” 

Glossip is accused of orchestrating the brutal murder of Van Treese, the owner of an Oklahoma City motel where Glossip was a manager. Prosecutors contend Glossip promised to pay another motel worker, Justin Sneed, to kill Van Treese. 

Sneed, who testified against Glossip at two previous trials, received a sentence of life in prison without parole. Glossip was sentenced to death, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in February of this year that he had not received a fair trial.

While Drummond supported that Court’s decision, he has consistently stated his belief that those responsible for Van Treese’s murder must be held accountable. 

Drummond fought for a new trial after admitting prosecutorial misconduct had tainted Glossip’s earlier conviction. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that Oklahoma County prosecutors had committed a Napue violation by knowingly allowing false testimony that prevented a fair trial.

Glossip, like every person arrested or charged, is presumed innocent unless and until convicted of a crime in a court of law.