JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced today that his office filed additional charges against Kenneth Lee Simpson, 35, of St. Louis County, in connection with the shooting and killing of Hermann Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith and the shooting of Hermann Officer Adam Sullentrup earlier this year.
“My primary focus will always be to protect the people of this state,” said Attorney General Bailey. “My office will continue to fight for justice and to honor those who put their lives on the line for us every day.”
The charges allege that on March 12, 2023, after 9 PM, Simpson shot the two officers at a Casey’s convenience store in Hermann, Missouri, after the officers arrived to arrest Simpson on multiple outstanding warrants.
The Attorney General’s Office charged Simpson with the following counts:
Count I: Murder in the first degree – class A felony
Count II: Armed Criminal Action – unclassified felony
Count III: Assault in the first degree Or Attempt – Serious Physical Injury Or Special Victim – class A felony
Count IV: Armed Criminal Action – unclassified felony
Count V: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – class D felony
Count VI: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – class D felony
Count VII: Unlawful Possession, Transport, Manufacture, Repair Or Sale Of Illegal Weapon – class D felony
Count VIII: Possession Of Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams Or Less Of Marijuana/Synthetic Cannabinoid – class D felony
Count IX: Resisting/Interfering With Arrest For A Felony – class E felony
The Attorney General’s Office was asked to assist by the Gasconade County Prosecuting Attorney. The case is being handled by Attorney General Bailey, Assistant Attorney General Kelly Snyder, and Assistant Attorney General Greg Goodwin.
Attorney General Bailey reminds the public that charges against the defendant are allegations and, as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.