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August 19, 2008

Man sentenced for murder in Enid is recommended for parole

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer

A man serving 30 years for second-degree murder was recommended for parole, following a substance abuse treatment program.

The state’s Pardon and Parole Board recommended Jeffrey E. Stewart, 38, be released, following 120 days at a community sentencing facility.

Gov. Brad Henry must approve the recommendation before Stewart is released.

Stewart pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of James Pugh in December 1996 in Garfield County.

On Valentine’s Day in 1996, Stewart, a convicted felon from Oregon, armed himself with a loaded .38 caliber revolver and drove to a home in Enid where he confronted one of the occupants. Stewart reached for his gun and got into a struggle with the man. In an effort to break up the struggle, another man, Pugh, came out of the house and pushed Stewart, which resulted in both Stewart and the victim falling off the porch.

Stewart shot Pugh in the chest, ran to his pickup and left the area. Pugh died a few hours later.

District Attorney Cathy Stocker said he protested the early release during both stages of a two-stage docket for violent offenders and will protest his release once more.

“Less than 12 years has passed and Stewart has been recommended for release on parole over my objections at both stages of this process,” Stocker said. “Citizens want sentences in criminal cases, especially violent ones, to mean what they say and I intend to ask the governor to deny the parole.”

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