Man found guilty of murdering Hermann police to be sentenced Thursday

UNION, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was found guilty of murdering a Hermann police officer and injuring another in a Casey's gas station will go before a judge for a sentencing hearing Thursday at 1 p.m.

A jury found Kenneth Simpson guilty of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, assault, drug possession and other charges in January. Jurors also recommended a death sentence for Simpson, according to previous reporting.

Judge Craig Hellman will have to decide Simpson's sentence after hearing victim statements.

Simpson's legal team has requested that victim statements be limited, according to court documents. The defense says the state has indicated that the victim's statements could be four to five hours long and repeat what was said during the trial.

Simpson was accused of shooting and killing Sgt. Mason Griffith and injuring Officer Adam Sullentrup in March 2023.

The court is limiting who may enter and exit the courtroom and will allow only still photographs inside the room. Phones will not be allowed inside.

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