-
Christopher Simmons committed burglary and murder with accomplice. They broke into the house of Shirley Nite Crook. As they proceed into the home of crook they tie her hands and cover her eyes. Simmons robbed her home and then drove her to the state park and threw crook over a bridge to drown
-
Later that day on September 9th 1993 Shirley was reported missing by her husband. The same day she went missing and was reported missing she was found where she had been pronounced dead from drowning
-
Simmons was arrested two hours into the investigation after he finally confessed to the murder
-
After viewing all of the evidence Simmons was found guilty for the murder of Shirley Nite Crook and was charged with first degree murder and given death penalty
-
The U.S Supreme Court ruled it was a “cruel and unusual punishment” to sentence a disabled person death
-
Following the sentencing, Simmons filed multiple appeals. However everyone of the appeals filed were rejected
-
After the Supreme Court made its decision in regards to the Akins case, Simmons filed a petition for post-conviction trial relief. Also the last petition he filed
-
After so many rejections, the Missouri Supreme Court finally decided to reconsider Simmons death penalty
-
State of Missouri Filed an appeal citing peoples evolving views isn’t a legitimate reason to overturn Simmons death
-
The Missouri Supreme Court repealed Simmons death penalty citing Atkins v. Virgin a but also due to the evolving views people had on the death penalty. Simmons now has life in prison without parole
-
The Supreme Court granted Missouri’s appeal
-
The Supreme Court began to hear arguments on both sides of the case
-
The Supreme Court ruled it was “cruel and unusual” to sentence a minor to death. As it overturned the Stanford v. Kentucky Case it was pronounced unconstitutional to execute minors.
-
The Supreme Court ruling effectively upheld the Missouri Supreme Court ruling. Christopher Simmons now serves life in prison without a opportunity of parole