Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter today released the following statement following the U.S. Supreme Court decision to restore the Carpenter v. Murphy case to its calendar for re-argument during the next term that begins in October.
Attorney General Hunter said he appreciates the U.S. Supreme Court’s patience on this monumental case.
“This case has implications for millions of Oklahomans, both tribal and non-tribal citizens,” Attorney General Hunter said. “It is vital to the state that the Supreme Court justices make the right decision on behalf of all Oklahomans. While today’s court action does not alter the status quo, it demonstrates the care and consideration the justices are putting into this case. Meanwhile, my team and I will continue proactively working with our tribal partners on our shared interests. A top priority for our office is to continue to preserve and grow our unity and prosperity.
“We look forward to the opportunity to again argue our case and ensure justice is served for the family and loved ones of George Jacobs, the Oklahoman and member of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation, who was brutally murdered by Patrick Murphy.”
In question is whether the 1866 territorial boundaries of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation is an Indian reservation, with implications for state prosecution of major crimes across all Eastern Oklahoma, dating back to statehood, including the City of Tulsa.
The U.S. Supreme Court granted the state’s request to hear the case in May 2018 after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the conviction of Patrick Murphy, who confessed to the brutal mutilation and murder of George Jacobs in 1999. Murphy received the death penalty.
Last November, the parties in the case argued before the U.S. Supreme Court and later submitted additional briefs at the request of the court.
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