OCTOBER 4, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and at all police stations across Missouri on Saturday, October 5, to honor St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Lee III.

"Officer Lee was selflessly assisting a motorist on Interstate 70 when he was tragically struck by an impaired driver who had no business being on our roads," Governor Parson said. "Officer Lee dedicated 18 years of his life to honorably serving the people of St. Louis, earning the Department Award of Excellence on three occasions as well as a Chief's Letter of Commendation. We will always remember his unwavering service to the people of our state. Teresa and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

On September 22, Officer Lee III was assisting a driver involved in a single-vehicle crash on eastbound Interstate 70 when he was struck by another motor vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver.

Officer Lee III served as an officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for 18 years and was recognized with the Department Award of Excellence on three occasions, the prestigious "Officer of the Month" award, and a Chief's Letter of Commendation. Officer Lee III is survived by his wife and two children.

Officer Lee III served in St. Louis City and lived in St. Louis County. Flags will be held at half-staff on the day Officer Lee III is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

OCTOBER 4, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 11th, 25th, and 29th Judicial Circuits.

William M. Byrnes, of Wentzville, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Byrnes owns Byrnes Law Firm. He holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Matt Thornhill as Circuit Judge who is unopposed in the 2024 general election.

Denise L. Childress, of St. Charles, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Childress owns Childress Legal, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in justice systems from Truman State University and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. She will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Dwayne Johnson as Circuit Judge who is unopposed in the 2024 general election.

Peter A. Lassiter, of New Melle, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Lassiter owns St. Thomas Legal, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from St. Louis University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Erin S. Burlison as Circuit Judge.

Brendon Fox, of Rolla, will be appointed as Circuit Judge for the 25th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Fox is the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and art history from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri­–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable John D. Beger.

Nicole M. Carlton, of Carthage, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 29th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Carlton owns Carlton Law Firm, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas­–Fayetteville. She will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Joseph L. Hensley as Circuit Judge who is unopposed in the 2024 general election.

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome lighted red from sunset on Saturday, October 5, until sunrise on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in honor of Missouri’s fallen firefighters.

The lighting coincides with Missouri’s annual memorial services for firefighters at the Fire Fighters Memorial in Kingdom City. Governor Parson has proclaimed October 6 as Fire Service Memorial Day in Missouri. The Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri will hold a candlelight vigil at the memorial for all deceased firefighters on Saturday, October 5, beginning at 7 p.m. On Sunday, October 6, beginning at 10:30 a.m., a memorial service will be held at the memorial in honor of Missouri firefighters recently recognized by the memorial foundation board as having died in the line of duty.

“Since the early 1800s, more than 400 Missourians across our state have paid the ultimate price for their commitment to serve as firefighters,” Governor Parson said. “These courageous firefighters came from many backgrounds and served across different eras, but they shared an unflinching determination to protect lives and property, even when it meant putting their own lives on the line. It is our honor to light the State Capitol dome red in grateful remembrance of these heroes’ service to Missouri.”

“We hope that when people see the Capitol Dome lighted red on Saturday night, they think of the members of Missouri’s fire service who died in the line of duty to save lives and protect property,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “Our fallen brothers and sisters, no matter when they served, represent the highest ideals of the fire service – courage under fire, selfless service, and unfailing commitment to others – and they will never be forgotten.”

Pictures of the Capitol lighted red will be available on Governor Parson’s Flickr page.

The Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri is located at 5550 Dunn Drive, Kingdom City, MO 65262 (one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection). 

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Platte and Jackson counties, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Wednesday, September 25, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Kansas City Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Brinker.  

“Kyle Brinker was drawn to public service at an early age, first becoming a junior firefighter in Pennsylvania, and he never lost his passion and enthusiasm for making a positive difference in people’s lives,” Governor Parson said. “He earned a degree in emergency medicine and devoted himself to being the best firefighter/paramedic he could be as he served in Station 35, one of the KCFD’s busiest stations. He will be remembered as a mentor and role model fully committed to the people he served. Teresa and I will be keeping his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”       

On September 17, 2024, while performing duties as a rescue technician during a Kansas City Fire Department training exercise, Firefighter/Paramedic Brinker experienced a medical emergency and died in the line of duty.

Brinker, 33, had been a member of the Kansas City Fire Department for 11 years. Previously, he had served as a firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT), and paramedic in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Firefighter/Paramedic Brinker is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson confirmed that the State of Missouri will carry out the sentence of Marcellus Williams on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, as ordered by the Supreme Court of Missouri.

Marcellus Williams murdered Felicia Gayle on August 11, 1998. He burglarized Ms. Gayle’s home, ambushed her as she left the shower, stabbed her 43 times and left the knife lodged in her neck, and then stole items from her home. Williams was identified as the suspect after he was arrested for a string of robberies in the St. Louis area.

“Capital punishment cases are some of the hardest issues we have to address in the Governor’s Office, but when it comes down to it, I follow the law and trust the integrity of our judicial system,” Governor Parson said. “Mr. Williams has exhausted due process and every judicial avenue, including over 15 hearings attempting to argue his innocence and overturn his conviction. No jury nor court, including at the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels, have ever found merit in Mr. Williams’ innocence claims. At the end of the day, his guilty verdict and sentence of capital punishment were upheld. Nothing from the real facts of this case have led me to believe in Mr. Williams’ innocence, as such, Mr. Williams’ punishment will be carried out as ordered by the Supreme Court.”

“I also want to add how deeply disturbed we’ve been about how this case has been covered. Mr. Williams’ attorneys chose to muddy the waters about DNA evidence, claims of which Courts have repeatedly rejected. Yet, some media outlets and activist groups have continued such claims without so much of a mention of the judicial proceedings or an unbiased analysis of the facts. I would just implore the media to do their due diligence and not rely on the sole claims of individuals who have a personal or monetary stake in this case. The facts are Mr. Williams has been found guilty, not by the Governor’s Office, but by a jury of his peers, and upheld by the Courts,” Governor Parson continued.

Williams has repeatedly alleged innocence despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. None of the following fact-finding entities have been convinced of his innocence: (1) a jury of his peers at trial; (2) the Missouri Supreme Court during state habeas proceedings; (3) a Board of Inquiry; nor (4) the St. Louis County Circuit Court. The State proved that Williams is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt due to a litany of factors listed below:

• DNA technology and testing before trial did not examine “touch DNA," based on standard techniques and practices at the time. Additionally, subsequent DNA testing has never exonerated Williams.
• Williams has a robust criminal history, including 15 felony convictions in addition to offenses related to Ms. Gayle's murder:  robbery (2), armed criminal action (2), assault (2), burglary (4), stealing (3), stealing a motor vehicle, and unlawful use of a weapon, which is all consistent with entering the home, attacking Ms. Gayle, and taking her items.
• Williams confessed the murder to his girlfriend soon after committing his horrific crime once his girlfriend found Ms. Gayle’s purse in Williams’ car, but he also threatened to kill her and her family if she told anyone, readily explaining why his girlfriend did not approach law enforcement until Williams was in custody.
• The girlfriend never requested the reward for information about Ms. Gayle’s murder, despite claims that she was only interested in money.
• When speaking with law enforcement, the jailhouse informant provided information about the crime that was not publicly available, yet consistent with crime scene evidence and Williams’ involvement.
• Other individuals were present when Williams bragged about this murder, and they were disclosed to Williams’ team before trial and have been discussed in subsequent proceedings.
• Gayle’s personal items were found in the trunk of Williams’ car.
• Williams sold Ms. Gayle’s husband’s laptop to another individual who later identified Williams as the seller.

Williams’ disrespect for others’ well-being and aversion to order have continued in prison, including attacking other inmates and threatening correctional officers.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 16th, 19th, and 24th Judicial Circuits.

The Honorable Lauren D. Barrett, of Kansas City, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit.

Judge Barrett serves as an associate circuit judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable John M. Torrence.

Joseph L. Shetler, of Jefferson City, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Shetler owns Shetler Law, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts from Conception Seminary College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri­–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Christopher K. Limbaugh as Circuit Judge.

Joseph A. Murray III, of Farmington, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for St. Francois County in the 24th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Murray owns Murray Law LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Bachelor of Science in finance and banking from the University of Missouri­–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri­–Kansas City. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Brice R. Sechrest as Circuit Judge

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson and Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore announced today that 345,643 visitors attended the annual State Fair in Sedalia, which was held August 8-18, 2024. The Missouri State Fair is the state’s largest agriculture showcase, bringing people together each summer from across the state.

“The Missouri State Fair is consistently Summer’s Best Story for many families, including ours,” Governor Mike Parson said. “Teresa and I love sharing our State Fair stories from year to year, so this theme was fitting for our final fair season as Governor and First Lady. But rest assured, we'll be back next year for more State Fair fun.”

In a survey of State Fair attendees, the family-friendly agriculture exhibits and shows, fair food, and the tradition of the Missouri State Fair ranked high on the list of why fairgoers came to the Fair in 2024. The mild temperatures experienced during the early days of the Fair were a bonus, with more than 50,000 individuals in attendance on the first Saturday.

“This year, we told our personal Fair stories and encouraged others to do the same, Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore said. “We love hearing stories from farm families and fairgoers of how the State Fair is their favorite event of the summer. For many, the Fair is the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work, a fun place to gather with friends, and an opportunity to showcase the best Missouri agriculture has to offer.”

The carnival midway was a popular destination for Fair guests, with record revenues on the first Saturday and Sunday of the State Fair. Concerts were also an important part of the fairgoer experience this year, with Alabama, Warren Zeiders, and Ludacris coming in as most popular.

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced that more than 29,000 livestock and competitive entries were exhibited at the 2024 State Fair. Notable increases included a 14 percent increase for 4-H and FFA market livestock entries and a 20 percent increase in boer goat entries.

“The Fair is always an opportunity for my team to celebrate traditions, enjoy the exhibits, and showcase the quality of Missouri agriculture,” said Director Chinn. “The Fair wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of Governor Parson, and it was bittersweet knowing this was his last Fair as Governor. The Parsons are true champions for Missouri agriculture and the State Fair, and their contributions continue to advance our industry forward.”

The Missouri State Fair Commission held the groundbreaking ceremony for a new state-of-the-art indoor arena to be built on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. “I was speechless upon hearing the arena will be named the Governor Michael L. Parson Arena,” Governor Parson continued. “Seeing the excitement of the Fair through our children and grandchildren’s eyes is special to us, and knowing this arena will display our family name for years to come is truly an honor.”

Governor Parson also had the opportunity to select the inaugural Missouri State Fair ice cream flavor, Kingdom Crunchdown, celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs. More than 600 Kingdom Crunchdown treats were sold at Gerken Dairy Center, hosted by Midwest Dairy during the 2024 Fair.

The 2025 Missouri State Fair will be held August 7-17 in Sedalia. To learn more, visit mostatefair.com.    

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced a joint task force between the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) to combat the spread of unregulated psychoactive cannabis products in Missouri. This latest action comes after Governor Parson announced Executive Order 24-10 and subsequent emergency rules by ATC were refused.

Governor Parson and Attorney General Bailey were joined by Senate President Pro Tempore Caleb Rowden, House Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Patterson, Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Paula Nickelson, Department of Public Safety Deputy Director Kevin Bond, ATC State Supervisor Michael Leara, and Missouri Poison Center Director Julie Weber.  

"While there are some out there who want Missourians to believe the proliferation of these harmful products is not an emergency or threat to the well-being of Missouri children, I, along with the Attorney General, DPS, DHSS, and other health experts, strongly disagree," Governor Parson said. "Together, with the help of the Attorney General and his team, we will root out these cannabis products being deceptively marketed to our children until such time the General Assembly provides the statutory framework for commonsense regulations."

“Under state law, Missourians have a right to know what is in the products they or their children consume. That is why we are building on our existing investigation into these harmful, illicit products by formalizing a unit within my Consumer Protection Division that will be dedicated to investigating referrals from the ATC,” Attorney General Bailey said. “We will enforce the law to protect our children every step of the way.”

The AGO and ATC will establish a joint task force. Under the terms of the partnership, ATC will be responsible for investigating its licensees who sell unregulated psychoactive cannabis products in their facilities, collecting evidence of deceptive marketing practices, and referring matters to the AGO.

The AGO will create a specialized new unit within its Consumer Protection division to evaluate referrals from ATC and use its authority under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA) to bring legal action against licensees who continue prohibited practices related to unregulated psychoactive cannabis products

“ATC is fully committed to working to protect Missourians from products that endanger their health and safety,” Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control State Supervisor Mike Leara said. “We look forward to partnering with the Attorney General’s Office in the new task force. Our agents will be monitoring the practices of licensees related to unregulated psychoactive cannabis products to develop actions to prevent their sale.”

DHSS will continue to embargo unregulated psychoactive cannabis food products being sold, manufactured, or delivered in Missouri that do not originate from an "approved source" according to state and federal law. DHSS's efforts will complement those of the AGO and ATC's joint task force.

Since September 1, DHSS has visited 64 facilities, finding 39 with unregulated psychoactive cannabis products present on shelves. Thus far, 8,929 products have been embargoed through these enforcement efforts. Photos of deceptive products found during DHSS' initial investigations can be found here.

"At the Missouri Poison Center, we have seen a steady increase in exposures related to accessibility and misidentification by children 5 years or younger consuming cannabis," Missouri Poison Center Director Julie Weber said. "Our data shows that the total number of cases has doubled every year since 2018."

DHSS already regulates food products using the authority within Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 196, sections 196.010 to 196.120, and the Missouri Food Code. To report an unregulated product, submit a complaint at Health.Mo.Gov/Report.

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

Jefferson City — For the month of August 2024, Governor Mike Parson granted three pardons pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and have been sent to the individuals.

In addition to granting three pardons, Governor Parson denied nine clemency applications. The Governor's Office holds fewer than 100 pending clemency applications. When Governor Parson was sworn into office, he inherited a clemency backlog of more than 3,500 and has received hundreds more since. Governor Parson has prioritized providing individuals an answer, whether approved or denied.

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• August 2024 Pardons.pdf

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Camden and Miller counties and at all police stations across Missouri on Thursday, September 5, to honor Osage Beach Police Department Officer Phylicia Carson.

“Officer Carson was a member of the Osage Beach Police Department for just under a year, but in that short period she made a difference for Osage Beach and contributed to an enduring legacy of public service,” Governor Parson said. “As Officer Carson prepared to enter into a law enforcement career, she wrote ‘As a mother of six children, I want to know I can make a difference in the area I am raising my children. I want to show my children how to grow up and be outstanding members of society.’ These are values we can all embrace, regardless of our careers. Teresa and I lift up in our prayers Officer Carson’s husband, Miller County Deputy Sheriff Grant Carson, and their children, Teighan, Raye, Emlyn, Roma, Chevy and Rhenner.”

On August 31, Officer Carson was responding to assist another officer in a vehicle pursuit when her patrol vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree, killing Officer Carson.

Officer Carson was a recipient of the Missouri Blue Scholarship program and graduated from the University of Missouri Law Enforcement Training Institute on September 14, 2023. She was commissioned as an Osage Beach Police Officer on September 15, 2023.

Officer Carson served in both Camden and Miller counties and lived in Miller County. Flags in both counties will be held at half-staff on the day Officer Carson is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here.