Caucus members speak on the overturning of Lamar Johnson's conviction

Man imprisoned for 28 years for crime he did not commit

Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins (Tim Bommel/House Communications)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Several members of the Missouri House Democratic Caucus spoke about Judge David Mason's decision to overturn the conviction of Lamar Johnson.

State Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, D-St. Louis

“After having the opportunity and privilege to meet with Mr. Johnson in the Jefferson City Correctional Center several times, I am overjoyed that he will return home as one of my constituents. The overturning of his conviction illustrates how a system can own up to its mistakes. However, to truly right the wrong that has been done to Mr. Johnson, this same system must take full accountability for its actions as he deserves restitution for nearly three decades of wrongful imprisonment that took away valuable time spent with his family and community."

State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, D-St. Louis

“I am so heartened and happy about the news that Lamar Johnson will rightfully be a free man again. But to put it bluntly, he spent 28 years in prison for a crime he did not commit because our justice system failed him. Our state attorney general’s office fought tooth and nail to keep an innocent man behind bars, and even after overwhelming evidence of his innocence, he did not receive a pardon from Missouri’s governor.

“Mr. Johnson deserves apologies from former Attorney General Eric Schmitt, current Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Governor Mike Parson and the state that took away the best years of his life. Mr. Johnson deserves more than just a pat on the back or money in his pocket, he deserves time. But because we cannot give him that, we can give him our best by providing adequate financial assistance, access to further education, housing, and other things the state effectively took from him. I urge the governor to work with members of the General Assembly to pass legislation that would offer restitution to Lamar Johnson, Kevin Strickland, and the other Missourians like them who have had their convictions overturned — or may have them overturned in the future.

“To Mr. Johnson, I am sorry our system took so much from you. As an innocent man, you deserved better from Missouri.”

Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield

“Lamar Johnson spent 28 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, and our judicial system finally honored that truth today as Judge David Mason overturned his conviction.

“While Mr. Johnson celebrates alongside his family, his community and the thousands of people who have supported him along his journey, the state has an obligation to make him as whole as it can after it robbed him of nearly three decades of his life. The General Assembly and the governor must take immediate action on legislation — like my own House Bill 374 — that would guarantee restitution and compensation for the wrongfully convicted.

“Mr. Johnson and other Missourians deemed innocent after serving time deserve nothing less than Missouri’s best efforts to right the wrongs the state has inflicted.”