Gov. Parson introduces proposal allowing AG to prosecute murders in St. Louis
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced a proposal Monday allowing the attorney general’s office to prosecute murder cases in St. Louis.
Parson said there have been 161 homicides so far this year in St. Louis and that 33 cases have been charged.
The decision to intervene was “not a personal attack” on St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, but rather “about fighting violent crime, achieving justice for victims and making our communities safer,” he said.
Gardner, who assumed office in 2017 and is St. Louis’ first Black circuit attorney, won the Democratic primary last week.
In a statement, Gardner said she agrees with Parson that fighting crime is a priority.
“However, it is clear that this legislation is not actually about addressing crime, instead it serves as a vehicle to interfere with the clear discretion of a democratically elected local prosecutor,” she said. “This allows the Governor and his cronies to make a mockery of judicial checks and balances and demolishes any notion of a free and independent judicial system.”
Gardner is known for her role in prosecuting former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens in 2018 and filing a federal lawsuit claiming the city and police union were involved in a racist conspiracy to remove her from office.
Last month, she filed charges against a St. Louis couple accused of brandishing weapons at Black Lives Matter protesters. The decision drew ire from Parson, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and President Donald Trump.
Gardner also said the proposal “does nothing to actually address the underlying issues that are driving violent crime.”
Parson said he had not discussed the provision with Gardner.
Under the proposal, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office will be allowed to prosecute cases if no charges have been filed after 90 days of the murder.
It will be part of a package the state legislature is considering during a special session on violent crime that began last month.
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said the proposal was “about an all-hands-on deck moment.”
“There are no politics when it comes to public safety.”
Former U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill opposed the proposal, posting on social media that it will “turn the rule of law in Missouri into a political circus.”
“Why not Jackson County that also has record homicides? Racist BS.”
Parson noted the state has seen a rising crime rate this year, particularly in urban areas.
Kansas City saw six homicides over the weekend, raising its homicide count to 127. At this time last year, there were 90.
This story was originally published August 10, 2020 at 5:27 PM.
