Blake Preston:Missouri prosecutors to seek death penalty in killing of court employee and police officer

2025-04-30 10:34:39source:Marcus Eriksoncategory:reviews

KANSAS CITY,Blake Preston Mo. (AP) — Missouri prosecutors said Wednesday that they intend to seek the death penalty against a Kansas City-area man who is charged with murder in the killings of a court employee who tried to serve an eviction notice on him and a police officer who responded.

Larry Acree, 70, of Independence, is accused of shooting court employee Drexel Mack on Feb. 29, plus two police officers who came to the scene, including Cody Allen, who was killed. Officers returned fire and arrested Acree, who suffered minor injuries.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker’s office filed a notice with the court saying the state will prove there are aggravating circumstances sufficient to warrant the death penalty. Acree is charged with 18 total counts including two of first-degree murder.

According to court papers, Acree owed delinquent taxes dating back to at least 2019. His 9-acre (3.6-hectare) property and three-bedroom home was sold last August for $260,000, and the new owner paid the taxes. A “Notice to Vacate” sign was posted at the property in February, and authorities have said Acree had no right to be there.

At a brief hearing Wednesday, Acree’s attorney, Edward Berrigan of the Missouri State Public Defender’s office, asked for a continuance so that the public defenders who handle death penalty cases could be reassigned, the Kansas City Star reported.

Acree’s next court date is set for July 10 in Independence, a suburb of Kansas City with about 122,000 residents.

Eleven people are currently on death row in Missouri.

More:reviews

Recommend

Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former Syrian military official who oversaw a prison where alleged human rights

Vince McMahon sexual assault lawsuit: What is said about it in 'Mr. McMahon'?

Of all the stories mentioned in the "Mr. McMahon" docuseries about WWE founder Vince McMahon, one th

Tearful Julie Chrisley Apologizes to Her Family Before 7-Year Prison Sentence Is Upheld

Julie Chrisley will remain behind bars for the foreseeable future.The Chrisley Knows Best star—who i