Attorney General's News Release

August 17, 2007

Federal appeals court upholds death sentence of meth dealer who murdered man in Harrison County in 1995

Jefferson City, Mo. — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit today upheld the conviction and death sentence of methamphetamine dealer John Middleton, who murdered a fellow meth dealer in Harrison County in 1995. Middleton also is under two additional death sentences for killing two other people in Mercer County who he believed to be informants. The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon represents the state in defending Middleton’s conviction and sentence.

On June 23, 1995, Middleton picked up Alfred Pinegar at Pinegar’s home in Davis City, Iowa, just north of Harrison County. While with Pinegar, Middleton purchased shotgun shells and handgun ammunition at a store in Bethany. The two then drove into the countryside with Middleton’s girlfriend and then parked. Pinegar tried to flee on foot, but he was shot twice in the back and then in the face by Middleton with a shotgun.

On June 11, 1995, Middleton murdered two other people, Randy Hamilton and Stacey Hodge, in Mercer County. He received death sentences for all three murders.

Today’s decision by a three-judge panel of the Eighth Circuit was unanimous.

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