Philip Meadows

392162
February 2018

A BRIEF INTRO:
My name is Jonathan Dodson and I am a real estate developer (pivotproject.com) in the urban core of
Oklahoma City. I was born in CO, lived in AZ, and moved to Stillwater at the end of the third
grade. Stillwater was my home through high school and for college as I graduated from Oklahoma
State University (I took a one year break to travel and study in Russia from 2001-2002). I was married
in 2002 and have four kids ages 11, 9, 7, and 5. I was a commercial lender in the OKC area for 10
years before leaving to pursue urban development. I am a managing member of a 5 person firm that
has redeveloped over 15 commercial properties in the Oklahoma City core. I also own several
businesses. My family is actively involved in our local church (we host a small group) and my parents
live about a mile from our house. Philip and I have been friends since 7th Grade.

I will never forget hearing the news that Philip had confessed to killing Tommy Paeyeneers. It was
stunning for several reasons. First, I had never seen him be violent with anyone. Secondly, it did not
make sense. Why? What caused him to do it?

I made a decision that when I got back back to the United States (I was living in Russia at the time of
his conviction) I would go see him to try to understand what happened. I had no idea this decision
would lead to a real friendship that has only grown over the last 15+ years. We have written letters
and talked on the phone. I have also visited him multiple times in prison, both alone and also with my
wife and my oldest son.

THE PAST:
From the first time we met in prison, he was willing to answer any question I asked him. From Jennifer
seducing him (she was the first woman Philip was ever with), to her accusing Tommy of physical
abuse (which was untrue but Jennifer knew that Philip had seen his mom abused at Philip's house by
his dad), to the incessant manipulation (her underwear left at his house, the notes, etc). He also talked
about the evolution of his relationship with Jennifer and the terribly concocted plan regarding
Tommy. He detailed the conversations with the accomplices, the encouragement from others to act,
his fear, and finally his commitment to act.

It was obvious Philip thought he was running towards love but instead was running towards a cliff of
terrible decisions driven by lust and insecurity. The fact that Jennifer was the mastermind and the
driver of the decisions was clear not only to me, but also to the DA as evidenced in his writings. It was
also obvious that up until the final ultimatum provided by Jennifer (Tommy was taking her to Vegas
and Philip would never see her again)- Philip would never have murdered Tommy. But this final straw,
along with help of two friends (both classmates of mine in Stillwater) led to a terrible action. I would like
to note that the pain of Tommy's death has never left as I still have friends to this day who miss him
and talk about him. Philip through a terribly toxic relationship took a life. In the midst of asking for his
parole and believing it is the right thing; myself, and many others do not minimize nor forget what
happened.

PRISON:
Philip's demeanor in 2003 is what you might expect. He was broken over what he did, angry at being
"sold out" by his friends, and deeply hurt by the way he was used by Jennifer Paeyeneers. However,
over the course of a year, his anger and hurt turned to self-reflection. I will never forget driving home
from the prison in Watonga (a prison now closed). I called my wife and told her how Philip's spirit had
changed. The change was tied to a realization of his faith in something greater, a deep need to be
forgiven for what he had done, and a sudden urgency to forgive those who had hurt him. The turning
point in his heart was clear and unmistakeable. He took responsibility, expressed remorse and
brokenness- he has said before that there is not a day that goes by that he does not think of Tommy-
and was willing to better himself through opportunities offered to him while in prison. In fact, I have
been amazed as he has grown in his faith, his education, and avoided the conflict and violence that is
so accessible. From meth addicted cellmates to Aryan Brotherhood cellmates, he has avoided the
common traps that lead to superficial but harmful relationships. Put differently, his choice of friends
and his avoiding others have been so critical to his continued self-improvement and a marked
difference from his friend choices as an 18 year old.

THE FUTURE:
I believe Philip has a community surrounding him that can support him in his transition. From
employment (a job offer through EPS, Inc), to a church community (City Presbyterian) to mentors
(State Representative Cory Williams and myself), a wife (Amanda Glockner), a network of people
dedicated to seeing him integrate into the public life and thrive- Philip will be surrounded by people he
has chosen to pursue over his time in prison. Many of these are not new relationships, but
relationships that have context for where he is, where he came from, and the way to positively push
him forward.

In closing, my dad always said that at times, who you hang out with can be more important than what
you believe. Almost 20 years ago, Philip learned this lesson in a tragic way. Since then, he has
actually lived this out in a redeeming manner. These friends (myself included) are ready to be apart of
this new chapter and I am willing to commit financial resources, familial resources, time, connections,
spiritual encouragement and a network of individuals who will love and support Philip.