Man facing chance of death penalty in cop’s death files for new trial, hearing scheduled for May 5

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was found guilty of murder and faces the chance of being sentenced to death has filed a motion for a new trial.

Kenneth Simpson, of Steelville, was found guilty in January of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, two counts of illegal gun possession, one count of illegally possessing a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action in the death of Hermann police officer Mason Griffith. Jurors had recommended the death penalty and his sentencing is scheduled for 2 p.m. June 18.  

Simpson’s attorney filed a motion for a new trial on Feb. 14, citing 131 reasons for why. The hearing will for that motion will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5.

Simpson was accused of shooting and killing Sgt. Mason Griffith and wounding Officer Adam Sullentrup in March 2023. The trial was held in Franklin County after it was moved from Gasconade County, where the shooting happened.

Simpson shot both men within 15 seconds on March 12, 2023, at a Casey’s convenience store in Hermann. The case was moved in 2023 from Gasconade County to Franklin County.

Police caught Simpson following a more than 12-hour standoff. The state of Missouri, on Sept. 14, 2023, filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Simpson.