Attorney General's News Release

April 2, 2002

Missouri Supreme Court sets May 1 execution date for killer of Fenton woman

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court today set an execution date of May 1 for Christopher Simmons, convicted of the September 1993 murder of Shirley Crook of Fenton. The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon argued against Simmons' appeal.

Simmons (DOB - 4/26/76) and a 15-year-old accomplice broke into the home of Mrs. Crook in the early morning hours of Sept. 9, 1993 to commit a burglary. When Mrs. Crook awoke and recognized Simmons, they bound her hands with duct tape and covered her eyes and mouth as well. Simmons drove Mrs. Crook's minivan to a railroad trestle above the Meramec River in Castlewood State Park, removed her from the minivan, then threw her off the trestle while still alive and conscious. Her body was discovered the next day by two fishermen.

A jury brought into Jefferson County from Cape Girardeau County found Simmons guilty of first-degree murder and recommended the death penalty.

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