Missouri seeks death penalty for man accused of murdering Hermann police sergeant

HERMANN, Mo. (KMIZ)

The state of Missouri will be seeking the death penalty against a man accused of murdering a Hermann police sergeant in March.

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.

Simpson is currently being held at the Crawford County Jail without bond.

The state filed its notice to seek the death penalty on Thursday. Special Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Lynn Snyder filed a motion for a change of judge on Friday. The state’s application will be heard at an Oct. 12 hearing at the Gasconade County Courthouse.

Simpson is accused of killing Mason Griffith and injuring Adam Sullentrup by shooting them March 12 at a Casey’s in Hermann.

Police caught Simpson following a more than 12-hour standoff.