Missourinet

The Missourinet has covered --and a Missourinet reporter has witnessed-- every execution since the death penalty was reinstated in Missouri in 1989 (George Mercer). The objective of this website is to be a repository of information about those who have been executed and those currently under death sentence. Along with death penalty news, you'll find some of the history of the death penalty in Missouri, including interviews (audio) with the condemned, members of victim's families and reporters assigned to cover executions. For additional news about the death penalty in Missouri, visit Missourinet.com.

Death Penalty News

Missouri Supreme Court sets execution date for John Middleton
Missouri could see its first execution since October, 2005 on July 30th. The state supreme court says that's when prisoner John Middleton will die for killing two people in Mercer County in 1995. Middleton was identified as methamphetamine dealer who killed two people he was afraid would inform law enforcement authorities about his activities. He got death sentences for both murders. Middleton also is under a death sentence for a third killing in 1995. Posted Friday, June 27, 2008, 1:14 pm   [Permanent Link]


Blunt "extremely disappointed" with U.S. Supreme Court death penalty ruling
Governor Matt Blunt (R-MO) weighs in on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the Louisiana law allowing the death penalty to be imposed on child rapists. In a statement, Blunt says he is, "Extremely disappointed in the Courts decision."

Blunt was a strong supporter of an effort during the recently-concluded legislative session to allow any Missouri prosecutor to seek the death penalty in any case of forcible rape and forcible sodomy in which the victim is under the age of 12.

The Governor and 28 members of the General Assembly had filed an amicus brief, in March, asking the High Court to clarify previous rulings that the Eighth Amendment does not prohibit the death penalty for child rapists.

In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court ruled the Louisiana law violates the U.S. Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. [Missourinet.com]
Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 11:02 am   [Permanent Link]


Vincent McFadden under two death sentences, again.
As a jury had recommended, a judge ruled Thursday that McFadden be executed for the murder of Leslie Addison, 18, on May 15, 2003, in the 2500 block of Kienlen Avenue in Pine Lawn. Last year, McFadden was sentenced to death on a separate jury's recommendation in the slaying of Todd Franklin, 20, in Pine Lawn on July 2, 2002. Police said Franklin had been a witness against members of McFadden's gang, the "6 Deuces." [Full story at STLtoday.com]
Posted Friday, June 13, 2008, 9:35 am   [Permanent Link]


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This web site is not associated with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Capital Punishment in Missouri is maintained by The Missourinet, a division of Learfield Communications, Jefferson City, Missouri. All inquiries regarding inmates, past or present, should be directed to the Missouri Department of Corrections, P.O. Box 236, Jefferson City, MO, 65102; email; Tel: 573.751.2389; Fax: 573.751.4099. Questions or comments about this website can be sent to The Missourinet.