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On September 9, 1993, 17-year old Christopher Simmons committed burglary and murder with an accomplice. He broke into the home of Shirley Crook and proceeded to tie her up. They then drove to the Meramec River and threw her into the river. She died of drowning.
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Later that day on September 9, Shirley Crook was reported missing by her husband. Her body was found the sameday of the report. Meanwhile, Simmons was bragging about killing Shirley Crook.
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On September 10, 1993 Simmons was arrested. Two hours into the interrogation Simmons confessed to murdering Crook. He even agreed to do a video reenactment of the night.
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The state of Missouri charged Simmons with first degree murdur, burglary, kidnapping, and stealing. The evidence against Simmons was overwhelming. He confessed, there was a video reenactment, and a witness stated the murder was premeditated. Meanwhile, the State argued Simmons murdered Crook for money.
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After reviewing all of the facts, arguments, and testimonials, the judge found Simmons guilty. The jury recommended the death penalty for Christopher Simmons.
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Following his sentence, Simmons filed a multitude of appeals to repeal his death sentence. However, everytime an appeal was filed, it was rejected.
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On June 20, 2002 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it was a "cruel and unusal punishment:" to sentence a mentally retarded person to death.
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After the Supreme Court made its decision in regards to the Atkins case, Simmons filed a petition for postconviction trial relief. This was the last appeal Simmons filed.
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After so many rejections, the Missouri Supreme Court finally decieded to reconsider Simmons' death penalty.
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The state of Missouri filed an appeal citing people's evolving views isn't a legitimate reason to overturn Simmons' death penalty.
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The Missouri Supreme Court repealed Simmons' death penalty citing Atkins v. Virginia but also due to the evolving views people had on the death penalty. Simmons now has a life sentence in jail without the opportunity for parole.
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On January 26, 2004 the Supreme Court granted Missouri's appeal.
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The Supreme Court began to hear the arguments from both sides on October 13, 2004.
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The Supreme Court ruled it was a "cruel and unusal punishment" to sentence a minor to death. The decision in this case overturned the ruling in the Stanford v. Kentucky case. It is now unconstitutional to execute minors.
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The Supreme Court ruling effectively upheld the Missouri's Supreme Court ruling. Christopher Simmons will now serve for life without parole.
