Execution date set

Despite continuing legal maneuvers in Carter County courts, Lance Shockley has an execution date. Governor Mike Kehoe’s office was served with an order and warrant of execution on June 18.

Shockley is scheduled to be executed October 14, 2024. 

 

As previously reported by the news, Shockley was convicted in 2009 of the murder of Sgt. Graham of Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop G, headquartered in Willow Springs. At the time of his death, Sgt. Graham was investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident that took place in November 2004, which criminally implicated Shockley. The state drew a line of correlation between this investigation and Sgt. Graham’s murder that led to a conviction and death sentence. 

 

The order for execution issued from the Missouri Supreme Court while Shockley’s lawyer continue to attempt to prove his innocence in lower courts. A hearing on whether or not the Carter County courts will consider DNA evidence has not yet taken place. Exhibits have been filed with that court under seal, and as press time, there is no hearing date set.