Glynn Simmons advocates for convicted murderer's early release
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The longest-incarcerated innocent person in the United States spoke out in support of a convicted murderer during a parole hearing Tuesday.
James Lewis is currently serving a life sentence in prison for the September 1988 murder of Theresa Timmons in Muskogee.
According to court documents, Lewis broke into Timmons home as part of a burglary attempt. Timmons contacted the police after Lewis had fled. Lewis then returned and bludgeoned her to death. He was 14-years-old at the time and an eighth grader.
Lewis was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole as well as consecutive terms of seven and 20 years on two burglary charges.
"I'm looking at this little kid, I'm thinking this is a mistake," said advocate Glynn Simmons, who spoke out on Lewis' behalf Tuesday. "This is one of the guard's kids or something."
Simmons says he took Lewis under his wing over the course of the decades he also spent in prison in connection to an unrelated murder case before being exonerated. Simmons spent a total of 48 years, five months, and 18 days behind bars.
"James is a good guy," said Simmons. "You know, he's a hundred times better than the worst thing he's ever done."
Simmons addressed the state's pardon and parole board directly during Lewis' Tuesday hearing, saying that while the crime he committed as a juvenile was undeniably heinous, it was crucial that board members recognize Lewis was no longer the same person.
Simmons said that Lewis has grown into an excellent public speaker, has done volunteer work, is involved in religious organizations, and has become a mentor. He is also engaged and has a job and housing lined up for any potential release.
Lewis appeared virtually during Tuesday's hearing, highlighting those plans and backup plans if necessary.
In a 2024 letter to the board asking for mercy, Lewis contributed his violent actions in 1988 to unresolved sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. He wrote, "I have taken responsibility for my actions and worked to heal the trauma."
"We're seeking mercy," said Simmons. "We're not seeking justice."
The board voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend Lewis move to his consecutive sentence. If approved by Governor Kevin Stitt, the decision would mean Lewis would have to serve more time regardless.
The decision would move his remaining time past the life sentence, to the remaining 27 years for the two burglary charges. He would still have to serve a minimum of one-third of that time before being parole eligible again, which would be at least nine more years.
"My hope is that we can apply for a commutation and maybe get that consecutive case reduced because of the amount of time he has already served," said Amber McComb, Lewis' fiancèe.
News 4 made multiple attempts on Tuesday to find living relatives of Timmons for comment but was unsuccessful. News 4 also reached out to former Muskogee District Attorney Drew Edmondson, who noted he did not recall the case during his time in the position.