Court: Jackson County judges can’t hear Strickland arguments

Published September 30, 2021 6:45 PM

By MARGARET STAFFORD
Associated Press

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Supreme Court has ruled that Jackson County judges cannot preside over an evidentiary hearing to determine if a Kansas City man should be exonerated in a triple murder case from 1979. The court ruled Thursday that judges in the 16th Judicial Circuit, which includes most of Kansas City, must be prohibited from presiding over an evidentiary hearing for Kevin Strickland. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt had argued that all the circuit judges should be recused from the hearing because of a perceived bias in favor of Strickland. The state Supreme Court said in a ruling Thursday the judges must be removed to avoid even the appearance of partiality or impropriety.

Article Topic Follows: AP Missouri

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.