Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573)751-0290
Blunt Denies Clemency Request for Vernon Brown
JEFFERSON CITY—Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has denied clemency requests filed on behalf of Vernon Brown who was found guilty and sentenced to death for the murder of 9-year-old Janet Perkins.
Blunt carefully reviewed the case, including the court records, applications for clemency, and the Board of Probation and Parole’s report recommending clemency be denied. Blunt said he found no reason to set aside the result of previous judicial decisions on this case.
"The courts found Vernon Brown guilty of murdering Janet Perkins," Blunt said. "We cannot begin to understand the pain her family has endured, and I cannot imagine how they have suffered at the loss of their little girl.
"I support the sentence issued and upheld by both Missouri and U.S. Courts and believe it is a just punishment for this horrific crime. My thoughts and prayers are with Janet Perkins’ family. And may God have mercy on Vernon Brown’s soul."
On October 24, 1986, 9-year old Janet Perkins was walking home from school when Vernon Brown enticed her into his home. After locking his stepsons in their rooms, Brown took Janet into the basement and bound her feet and one hand with a wire coat hanger, forcing her into a crouched position that permitted her head to reach the height of his genitalia. Brown then strangled Janet with a rope.
The next day, law enforcement officers found Janet’s body in two trash bags near a dumpster. Brown later led police to a different dumpster where they found a bag with Janet’s missing shoe, raincoat and school papers.