Jury recommends death sentence for Kenneth Simpson, the man convicted of murdering a Hermann police officer and wounding another
Kenneth Simpson, who was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of a Hermann police officer, is expected to face the death penalty.
On Friday, the jury unanimously decided that Simpson should be sentenced to death, according to Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s office.
“Today’s decision brings accountability, but not results. We remember two law enforcement officers, one who made the ultimate sacrifice, the other whose life was changed forever. We continue to keep their families, loved ones, and brothers and sisters blue in our thoughts and prayers,” Hanaway said. “Our responsibility during this process has been to pursue justice diligently and determinedly. We honor these heroes by standing with those who served and defending the rule of law even in the most difficult moments.”
The attorney general’s office said Judge Craig Hellmann will impose formal sentencing on Simpson’s first-degree murder conviction and will sentence Simpson on the remaining charges at a later date.
On Saturday, January 24, Simpson was found guilty of first-degree murder and first-degree assault.
On March 12, 2023, Det. Sergeant. Mason Griffith and officer Adam Sullentrup responded to a disturbance at Casey’s gas station on Missouri Highway 19.
Simpson shot two officers and fled the scene. Griffith and Sullenrup were transported to area hospitals in serious condition, where Griffith later died.
The jury also found Simpson guilty two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action.
