Contact: Channing Ansley, (573) 751-0290
Scott Holste, (573) 751-0290
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2014
Gov. Nixon denies clemency petition of John Winfield
JEFFERSON CITY – The Governor’s Office tonight released the following statement from Gov. Jay Nixon regarding his decision on the petition for clemency from John Winfield:
After a comprehensive review by my office of the request for clemency from convicted murderer John Winfield, and after a final briefing from my counsel, I have denied this petition. Clemency is a process and a power of the Governor I do not take lightly. Each request is considered and decided on its own merit and set of facts.
John Winfield’s violent rampage on the night of Sept. 9, 1996, left two women dead and another permanently blinded. The two murder victims, Arthea Sanders and Shawnee Murphy, were killed while trying to help Carmelita Donald escape from the armed Winfield. Carmelita Donald herself was shot and permanently blinded by Winfield, who showed no mercy that night on his victims. The jury in this case properly found that these heinous crimes warranted the death penalty, and my denial of clemency upholds the jury’s decision.
I ask that the people of Missouri remember the victims of John Winfield, both those who were killed and those who survived, and keep them and their families in their thoughts and prayers.
###
Follow the Governor on Twitter @GovJayNixon
Scott Holste
Press Secretary for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon
573-751-0290
