This week, attorneys for Ernest Lee Johnson submitted a motion for a stay of execution to the Missouri Supreme Court. If due consideration is given to the Habeas Corpus petition, the execution date should be vacated. Johnson argues that precedent exists for issuing a stay of execution and is needed so the Court can fairly address the issues in the petition that cannot possibly be completed before the scheduled execution date. 

The petition raises claims that “to execute Mr. Johnson would violate the Supreme Court’s directive that states cannot execute the intellectually disabled.”  The petition is supported by an amicus brief and raises serious questions about the jury instructions given on the intellectual disability question. Mr. Johnson was sentenced to death by an all-white jury who based their decision on racial stereotypes and stereotypes of people with disabilities. The petition also asks the court to address the question of cruel and unusual punishment due to the chosen method of execution.  Mr. Johnson is asking the Court to assign a special master who can appoint a team of experts and clinicians to look at the intellectual disability claim.

Please continue to share this petition asking Governor Parson to grant clemency to #ErnestJohnson. You can learn more about the death penalty in Missouri at www.madpmo.org

For press or advocacy inquiries, please contact Elyse at info@madpmo.org.