After 20 years of Simpson Thacher representing Reggie Clemons on death row in Missouri, his conviction and his sentence were vacated and remanded on November 24. Following oral arguments that took place in February 2014, the Supreme Court of Missouri found that substantial evidence supported the finding that the State deliberately suppressed Brady evidence related to the voluntariness of Mr. Clemons’ confession and that Mr. Clemons was denied a fair trial.
In reaching its conclusion, the Supreme Court of Missouri adopted the findings of the Special Master Judge Michael W. Manners, who was appointed by the Court in the summer of 2009 to review the evidence in the case after Mr. Clemons’ execution was stayed twelve days before it was scheduled to take place. Judge Manners found that Mr. Clemons’ constitutional right to due process was violated by the State’s suppression of key evidence – namely, that a parole officer observed and documented injuries to Mr. Clemons shortly after his police interrogation. Mr. Clemons has steadfastly maintained since the time of his arrest and interrogation that his statement to police was coerced.
The Missouri Supreme Court’s decision upholds Mr. Clemons’ constitutional right to a fair trial and protects the due process rights of both Mr. Clemons and others. The result is a testament to the Firm’s tireless efforts to get a fair trial for Mr. Clemons.
The Simpson Thacher team included, among others, Josh Levine, David Elbaum, Erika Burk, Ellen Frye, Meredith Duffy, Kristina Green, Katelyn Benton, Diana Wielocha, Blake Hulnick and Jerry Fang.
Recent press coverage includes articles in Law360 and the New York Law Journal.