Attorney General's News Release

February 23, 2000

Supreme Court sets March 22 execution date for man who abducted and killed Warrenton woman in 1992

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court today set a March 22 execution date for James Henry Hampton, sentenced to die for the 1992 murder of a Warrenton woman in a wooded area of Callaway County.

On Aug. 2, 1992, Hampton (DOB - 3/5/38) entered the Warrenton home of Frances Keaton with a sawed-off shotgun and demanded money from her and her fiance, Allen Mulholland. After binding them both, he abducted Keaton and continued to demand that she give him money.

At some point during the drive away from Warrenton, Hampton learned from a police scanner that law enforcement authorities had been alerted to the kidnapping. Hampton testified at his trial that he had decided in advance to kill his hostage if police learned of the kidnapping before he received his ransom. Hampton killed Keaton with several hammer blows to the head and then buried her body.

Hampton fled Missouri and was eventually apprehended in New Jersey, where he had committed another murder. As he was about to be taken into custody, Hampton shot himself in the head.

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.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818