Attorneys Sought Witness Records for Glossip Trial
Legal counsel requested access to files involving a witness ahead of an upcoming third trial.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Attorneys for Richard Glossip have formally requested witness records from the State of Oklahoma to ensure a fair upcoming trial. Glossip, who was previously convicted in 1997 for the murder of Barry Van Treese, is preparing for his third trial.
Why it matters
The defense aims to review the public defender file of Justin Sneed, who admitted to killing Van Treese and testified against Glossip, to uncover evidence for the upcoming proceedings.
A court hearing regarding the document request is scheduled for Wednesday. This motion follows a May 2026 court order that granted bond to Richard Glossip after the U.S. Supreme Court vacated his previous conviction.
The players
Richard Glossip
He is the defendant currently preparing for his third trial following the vacating of his prior conviction by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Barry Van Treese
He is the victim in the 1997 murder case that resulted in the convictions of Richard Glossip.
Justin Sneed
He is the individual who admitted to killing Barry Van Treese and previously served as a key witness against Richard Glossip.
The details
Legal counsel is seeking access to the public defender files of Justin Sneed, the individual who admitted to the murder of Barry Van Treese. These documents are being requested to ensure that all relevant evidence is properly shared before the scheduled proceedings in December 2026.
Timeline
Richard Glossip was convicted in 1997 for the murder of Barry Van Treese.
The original conviction occurred in 2001.
An Oklahoma County judge granted bond to Richard Glossip in May 2026.
A hearing regarding the witness records is set for September 30, 2026, at 10 a.m.
The third trial for Richard Glossip is scheduled for December 2026.
Legal Context
The case follows the U.S. Supreme Court vacating of Richard Glossip's conviction, a rare legal development that has necessitated a complete reset of the judicial process. This development forces the state to re-evaluate evidence used during the 1997 original proceedings.
The ongoing litigation impacts the Oklahoma state justice system as it works to resolve a long-standing capital case. Residents may see continued media attention and court activity in Oklahoma County as the trial date approaches.
The takeaway
The request for Sneed's files highlights the defense's focus on re-examining the testimony that supported the original conviction. This process remains a critical component of the state's efforts to ensure due process leading up to the December proceedings.
What happens next
A hearing is scheduled for September 30, 2026, and the third trial for the defendant is slated for December 2026.
Further reading
For more on the developments in this case, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 9.
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