Man accused of killing Hermann police sergeant set to be in court Monday

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man accused of killing a Hermann police sergeant and injuring another officer is set to appear in court Monday in Franklin County.

Kenneth Lee Simpson, 35, of Steelville, was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of armed-criminal action, first-degree assault, two counts of unlawful gun possession, unlawful possession of an illegal weapon, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

In March 2023, Simpson allegedly killed Hermann sergeant Mason Griffith and critically injured Adam Sullentrup by shooting them on March 12 at a Casey’s in Hermann.

The officers went to the gas station to arrest Simpson on warrants out of Franklin and Warren counties. While trying to make the arrest, there was a struggle and the officers were shot, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which was the agency in charge of the investigation.

Simpson ran from the scene to a home, leading to a 12-hour standoff with police.

A jury trial date was set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026-Feb. 6, 2026.

The state of Missouri filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Simpson.