By Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty
In less than two weeks, the State of Missouri intends to execute Lance Shockley despite serious, unresolved questions about his guilt. Shockley was sentenced to death for the 2005 murder of MSHP Sergeant Carl Dewayne Graham Jr., but his case has long been marred by circumstantial evidence, a deadlocked jury, and the courts’ refusal to allow testing of more than a dozen untested DNA items from the crime scene.
On October 7, 2025, Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty (MADP), joined by faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and community members, will deliver over 4,000 petition signatures to Governor Kehoe urging him to grant clemency. The delivery comes one week before Shockley’s scheduled execution on October 14 at 6:00 PM CST.
This marks the first time Governor Kehoe will face the life-or-death decision of clemency as Missouri’s leader. Advocates say the Governor’s response will test whether his Catholic pro-life values align with allowing the state to take a life of its own citizens.
The press conference will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM CST at the Missouri State Capitol Building, Capital Rotunda. The petition delivery to the Governor will follow.
“People around the country feel defeated with our continuation of state-sanctioned murder and the trauma it imposes upon its citizens, including correctional staff,” said Nimrod Chapel, Jr., President of NAACP-Missouri.
“Crimes against law enforcement are deeply emotional, but emotion cannot replace evidence. Lance Shockley’s conviction rested on circumstantial evidence and a divided jury. To this day, Missouri has refused to test more than a dozen items from the crime scene. Before the state takes a life, the least we can demand is the truth that science can provide,” said Heidi S. Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director of MADP.
“Governor Kehoe has a clear choice: allow an execution to move forward based on unanswered questions, or pause and permit DNA testing that could bring clarity, truth, and justice. Missourians deserve a system that values fairness over finality,” Moore added.
At Shockley’s original trial, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. Missouri law allows a judge to impose a death sentence in cases of jury deadlock, which occurred in Shockley’s case. Despite repeated requests, courts have refused to allow testing of multiple items from the crime scene that could confirm Shockley’s innocence or implicate another suspect. Since 1989, Missouri has recorded 56 exonerations, 22 of which involved flawed forensic evidence.
Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty is dedicated to advocating for the abolition of the death penalty in Missouri. The organization works to educate the public, support those affected by capital punishment, and promote humane alternatives to execution. Learn more at www.madpmo.org.
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