A Missouri jury has delivered a guilty verdict against Kenneth Simpson, 38, for the shooting of two police officers, resulting in the death of one. This conviction opens the path for Simpson to potentially face the death penalty.

Simpson was found guilty of murder and assault nearly three years after the tragic events of March 12, 2023. On that evening, officers Mason Griffith and Adam Sullentrup, both 34, from the Hermann Police Department, responded to a report of a disruptive individual at a Casey’s convenience store in Hermann. The store’s employees had alerted authorities about an “irate person” on the premises.

Simpson, who had outstanding warrants in several counties, opened fire when Griffith and Sullentrup attempted to arrest him, leading to the fatal shooting spree.

Throughout the trial, numerous witnesses provided testimony regarding Simpson’s demeanor and actions during the incident. Local ABC affiliate KMIZ reported that Jeremiah Johnson, who was present at Casey’s that night, identified Simpson and described him as agitated and seemingly prepared for confrontation.

Additionally, Casey’s employee Ethan Owens recounted that Simpson ordered food under the alias “Kevin Maxey.” Owens, who knew Simpson from past encounters involving drug use, testified, “I didn’t trust him at all.”

Johnson told the court that he left the store and found Sullentrup to alert him to Simpson’s odd behavior and warn that there might be warrants out for his arrest. Sullentrup then called for Griffith for assistance, and the two cops approached Simpson to speak with him while in the store. Witnesses testified that both policemen did not have their weapons up while they spoke to Simpson.

A few moments into their conversation, surveillance cameras caught Simpson taking out his gun and firing several shots at Sullentrup and Griffith. After Simpson fled the store, Owens and a customer, Jason Nettles, rushed to Griffith’s side to render aid. Cashier Kassandra Quilario was caught on Sullentrup’s bodycam rushing to his side after he was shot.

Sullentrup was hospitalized and recovered from his injuries. Griffith succumbed to his injuries that night.

Simpson was arrested the next day after a standoff with Missouri state police. On Saturday, a jury convicted him of first-degree murder and first-degree assault. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.