Attorney General's News Release

January 29, 1999

Missouri Supreme Court sets Feb. 24 execution date for man convicted of 1983 double murder in Marshall

Jefferson City, MO — The Missouri Supreme Court today set an execution date of Feb. 24 for James Edward Rodden, who was given the death penalty for the Dec. 6, 1983 murder of Terry Trunnel in Marshall. The United States Supreme Court declined to hear Rodden's petition last November.

Rodden had taken Terry Trunnel back to his apartment after meeting her at a local bar. Rodden then stabbed to death both Trunnel and Joseph Arnold, his roommate. He then made an unsuccessful attempt to set the apartment on fire to cover up the crime. Rodden was captured when he lost consciousness and crashed Arnold's vehicle into the porch of a house in Linn County.

Rodden was tried in Clay County on a change of venue. In addition to his death sentence, Rodden was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Arnold and sentenced to life in prison without parole for 50 years.

“These were two very violent and unprovoked murders,” Attorney General Jay Nixon said. “The jury that heard this case rightly decided that the death penalty was the appropriate punishment.”

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

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