Jury trial of man accused of killing Hermann officer

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. – A man linked to the shooting of a Hermann officer earlier this year could potentially face the death penalty. His jury trial was officially scheduled for Tuesday.

Kenneth Simpson, 35, is accused of shooting two officers in the line of duty, including one fatally, last March in Hermann, Missouri. Officers were at Casey’s gas station when they attempted to take Simpson into custody on outstanding warrants.

A jury trial is scheduled for Jan. 20 through February, according to Missouri court records. June 6, 2026, in Franklin County with Craig Hellmann as judge.

Although the shooting occurred in Gasconade County, the case was moved to Franklin County on Oct. 12 after a change of venue request was granted.

Simpson is currently in prison on charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful possession of a firearm and more. Current court documents claim the murder was “outrageous or wantonly heinous, terrible or inhumane, involving torture or depravity of the mind.”

Mason Griffith died in the shooting, while New Haven officer Adam Sullentrup continues to recover from his injuries.

A first-degree murder charge in Missouri is punishable by the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole Missouri Statutes.