Oklahoma Board Recommended Parole for Tony Mann
The 70-year-old inmate remains the only person incarcerated for the 1983 murder of Charles Keene.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Criminal Justice
The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has voted unanimously to recommend parole for 70-year-old Tony Mann. Governor Kevin Stitt must now grant final approval for his release from the James Crabtree Correction Facility.
Why it matters
Chairman Robert Reavis II cited Mann's advanced age and deteriorating medical conditions, including pneumonia and heart issues, as the basis for the board's decision. Mann is the final individual involved in the 1983 crime to potentially gain freedom.
The board voted unanimously on October 13 to recommend parole for the 70-year-old inmate. The decision follows the January 2026 reduction of his original death sentence to life with the possibility of parole.
The players
Tony Mann
He is a 70-year-old inmate at the James Crabtree Correction Facility who was sentenced to death for a 1983 murder.
Kevin Stitt
He is the current Governor of Oklahoma who holds the final authority to approve or deny the parole recommendation.
Robert Reavis II
He serves as the Chairman of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board and oversaw the proceedings.
Wayne Thompson
He was one of four men originally sentenced to death for the murder of Charles Keene and was released on parole last year.
The details
Tony Mann is currently held at the James Crabtree Correction Facility due to his involvement in the 1983 murder of Charles Keene in Grady County. He is the last of four men sentenced to death for the crime to remain incarcerated, as co-defendant Wayne Thompson was released approximately one year ago.
Timeline
1983: Charles Keene was murdered in Grady County.
January 2026: Tony Mann's death sentence was commuted to life with the possibility of parole.
October 13, 2026: The board voted to recommend Mann for parole.
Legal Context
The recommendation for parole follows the 1983 murder of Charles Keene, a case that resulted in death sentences for four separate individuals. This action represents the final chapter in the decades-long legal process for those convicted in the murder.
The potential release of a long-term inmate highlights the evolving nature of sentencing in the state. Residents should stay informed on the Governor's office updates regarding parole authorizations to understand current safety and justice policies.
The takeaway
The board's decision reflects a shift toward evaluating health and age as significant factors in parole consideration for aging inmates. This process concludes the multi-decade incarceration cycle for those involved in the 1983 murder case.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's legal proceedings on the Criminal Justice section page.
