Attorney General's News Release

October 5, 2000

Supreme Court sets Nov. 15 execution date for Jefferson County man who committed 1982 murder

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court today set a Nov. 15 execution date for James Chambers, sentenced to die for killing another man outside a Jefferson County tavern in 1982.

The events leading to the murder of Jerry Lee (Steve) Oestricker began May 29, 1982 when an argument ensued after Oestricker bumped into a friend of Chambers while he was headed for the restroom. The other man left but soon returned with Chambers, who was carrying a .38 caliber revolver. Chambers began to argue with Oestricker, and both men were told to go outside. After leaving the bar, Chambers shot Oestricker once in the heart and then pistol-whipped him in the face before fleeing the scene.

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