Attorney General's News Release

September 26, 2005

State Supreme Court sets Oct. 26 execution date for man convicted in murder of sisters on Chain of Rocks Bridge

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court has set an Oct. 26 execution date for Marlin Gray, one of four convicted for the April 1991 murder of two sisters on the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis. The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon represented the state against Gray's appeals.

On the night of April 4, 1991, Gray (DOB 9/29/67) and three companions — Reginald Clemons, Daniel Winfrey and Antonio Richardson — encountered the two sisters, Julie and Robin Kerry, and their cousin, Thomas Cummins. The two groups chatted briefly, then parted. After a few minutes, Gray and his group returned and sexually assaulted the sisters. The sisters and their cousin were pushed off the bridge.

Cummins survived the 70-foot fall and swam ashore; Julie's body was recovered in Caruthersville three weeks later. Robin's body was never found.

"The brutal murder of these two sisters shocked the community, and the sensibilities of all decent Missourians," Nixon said. "A jury determined that the death penalty was appropriate in this case, and it is our duty to see that the sentence is carried out."

A St. Louis Circuit Court jury found Gray guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and imposed two death sentences on Dec. 9, 1992. Winfrey, who was 15 at the time, received a 30-year sentence. Clemons was sentenced to death on April 9, 1993, and remains on death row awaiting execution. Richardson, who was also sentenced to death, had his sentence overturned on appeal to life in prison.

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 the Press Secretary.

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