KEVIN STRICKLAND AND LAMAR JOHNSON
Cindy Maddera
Both of these men are currently in prison in the state of MO for crimes they have not committed. Some of you might have seen the story about Kevin Strickland and Lamar Johnson on CBS Sunday Morning this week. If you are confused about what is systemic racism, I will tell you these two men and their stories are excellent examples. Missouri Governor Michael Parson and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt are perpetuating systemic racism.
In the case of Kevin Strickland, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office concluded publicly that “[r]eliable corroborated evidence now proves that Mr. Strickland is factually innocent of the charges for which he was convicted in 1979. In the interest of justice, Mr.Strickland’s conviction should be set aside, he should be promptly released and he deserves publick exoneration.” This came from the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. This is a statement that is saying “Hey. We were wrong and sentenced the wrong guy to life in prison. We need to let him out.” You can read more about Kevin Strickland at the Midwest Innocence Project.
Lamar Johnson was convicted in 1994 for a murder he did not commit. Two people have confessed to that murder. The Missouri Supreme Court denied Mr. Johnson’s request for a new trial. In the denial letter the court sent, the basically say “hey, we know you didn’t do it, but it’s too late for appeals.”
Not a single Judge denied Lamar Johnson’s innocence. Indeed, the very prosecutor’s office that convicted Lamar Johnson concluded that he is innocent. - Statement on the Missouri Supreme Court decision in State v. Johnson
Eric Schmitt is the Missouri Attorney General. His phone number is 573-751-332. You can also contact him through his website: https://ago.mo.gov/about-us/contact-us I haven’t been able to track down the phone number for the Governor, but he can also be contacted through his website: https://governor.mo.gov/contact-us
I did get a generic response from the Governor’s office this afternoon. It basically said that they are reviewing the case, but that they give great difference to the judicial system. Every day, my plan is to email and call both of these men and ask them to release these two men. I am urging each and every one of you to do the same. You can also donate to the Midwest Innocence Project.