Urgent Action: Petition Drop for KJ Tuesday November 15

Tuesday, November 15th:  Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty with family and friends hold a Press Conference and Petition Drop for Kevin “KJ” Johnson

For Immediate Release: November 14, 2022

(Jefferson City)  - Kevin “KJ” Johnson is scheduled to be executed by the state of Missouri on November 29th for the 2005 murder of police officer William McEntee, a crime he committed at just 19 years old, just hours after watching his baby brother die in front of his eyes. 

Despite having no prior incidents of violence before that day, being a beloved member of his community, experiencing a childhood riddled with trauma and abuse so severe it resulted in psychosis, evidence of racist prosecutorial conduct and ineffective counsel throughout the trial, KJ is set to be executed. 

KJ’s childhood was filled with physical and mental abuse, devastating hunger, poverty and isolation. KJ remembers being so hungry as a child that he would try to eat roaches and mice to quell the pain. After his mother fell victim to crack cocaine, he was sent to live with his aunt who severely physically abused him. His teachers describe him showing up to school reeking of urine, but no one ever intervened to get him the help he needed.  

At KJ’s first trial, the jury rejected the first degree murder charge, resulting in a hung jury. In the second trial, the prosecutor eliminated potential Black jurors, ensuring a predominately white jury. KJ’s court appointed lawyers failed to present abundant mitigating evidence to the jury that might have resulted in him being spared the death penalty.

KJ expresses deep remorse and takes full accountability for what he did. While incarcerated, KJ continues to improve his life and work hard to be a caring, devoted and present father to his teenage daughter, Khorry, who adores him and relies on his support.

Nimrod Chapel, Jr., President of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP said: We all recognize the inherent injustice that is the death penalty and what it does particularly to people of color and poor people. It’s one thing to punish someone, and another thing to take their life away. Looking at the inherent bias in our criminal justice system, we must stop the execution of Kevin Johnson and abolish the death penalty, there is no reason for it at this time. 

WHO:

Religious leaders, advocates, and organizers, including Michelle Smith, MADP,  Rita Lindhardt, the Missouri Catholic Conference, Nimrod Chapel, Jr., of the NAACP,  Rev. Darryl Gray, Justice Gatson, and others will speak and be available for comments.

WHEN:

Tuesday, November 15th at 1:00 pm, Speakers will be available for comments following the rally 

WHERE:

Missouri State Capitol Rotunda, Jefferson City
201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101