Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Lauds Mandatory Death Penalty for Criminals Who Murder Law Enforcement Officials
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt applauded the Missouri House of Representatives for giving first round approval to House Bill 945, legislation he called for in his State of the State to make the death penalty mandatory in cases involving the murder of a law enforcement official.
"We need to hold criminals accountable for the incomprehensible pain and suffering they inflict when they take the life of a law enforcement official," Blunt said. "Missouri's law enforcement community put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety and well being. This bill is an important step to protect those Missourians who work every day to keep our communities and neighborhoods safe."
House Bill 945, sponsored by Rep. Michael Parson, creates the crime of murder of a criminal justice official in the first degree if an individual knowingly causes the death of the official, and would be punishable by death unless there are mitigating circumstances to justify a life sentence without probation or parole.
The bill defines a criminal justice official as any person who is a peace officer, prosecuting attorney, assistant prosecuting attorney, circuit attorney, assistant circuit attorney, judge, jailer, probation and parole officer, or any employee of a correctional center or anyone assigned to work in a correctional center as stated in 217.010, RSMo.
The legislation must be read a third time and passed in the House before being sent to the Senate.