Gov. Brad Henry to decide on parole in 1996 Garfield County

By Julie Bisbee

Published: August 19, 2008

A man convicted of murder in Garfield County has been recommended for parole.

The Pardon and Parole Board recommended that Jeffrey Stewart, 38, be paroled from a 30-year second-degree murder sentence for the 1996 shooting death of James Pugh, 34. The board recommended Stewart spend 120 days in a community sentencing facility before being released to the street. Gov. Brad Henry has the final say on Stewart's release.

Prosecutors say Stewart was angry when he arrived at Pugh's, saying he purchased "some bad drugs,” from a man who also lived at the home. Stewart said he was intoxicated when the shooting occurred.

Stewart said he went to the house to retrieve his brother and got in a fight with the victim and his gun went off, killing Pugh. Stewart entered a guilty plea at his trial, according to an investigative report prepared for the Pardon and Parole Board.

Since being in prison, Stewart has completed 18 hours of college and received a certificate in heating and air conditioning. Stewart has also participated in the Oklahoma State Prison Rodeo and several faith-based programs. If his parole is approved, Stewart said he planned to move to Enid and work in construction. Stewart said he already has received job offers.