Missouri governor to announce his pick as new St. Louis prosecutor after Kim Gardner resignation

By JIM SALTER
Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Friday will announce his pick to serve out the remainder of Kim Gardner’s term as the chief prosecutor in St. Louis, following her sudden departure earlier this week. Gardner had been the subject of an ouster effort by Republican Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Simultaneously, state lawmakers were considering a bill allowing Parson to appoint a special prosecutor to handle violent crimes, effectively removing the bulk of Gardner’s responsibilities. She also faced potential contempt of court after her office failed to have an attorney present for the start of a trial. Gardner announced on May 4 that she would resign effective June 1. Then unexpectedly on Tuesday, she announced her resignation was effective immediately.