Missouri Governor Grants Clemency to Controversial Cases

The balance of justice in Missouri’s clemency cases.

News Summary

Governor Mike Parson of Missouri has made the headlines by commuting the sentences of Patricia Prewitt and Eric DeValkenaere, two individuals with complex and contentious stories. Prewitt, who spent 40 years in prison for the 1984 murder of her husband, maintains her innocence, while DeValkenaere, a former police detective, faced a manslaughter conviction for the shooting of an unarmed man. Both cases reflect broader issues within the justice system and have sparked significant community reactions.

Missouri Governor Grants Clemency Amid Controversy

In a surprising twist for the state of Missouri, Governor Mike Parson has made headlines by commuting the sentences of two individuals with vastly different stories—Patricia Prewitt and Eric DeValkenaere. Their cases showcase the complexities and controversies that often surround the clemency decisions made by state leaders.

Patricia Prewitt’s Long Journey

Patricia Prewitt, now 75 years old, has spent an astonishing 40 years behind bars for the 1984 murder of her husband, William Edward Prewitt. The tragic event unfolded on February 18, 1984, in their home in Holden, Missouri, sending shockwaves through the local community.

From the outset, investigators seemed to narrow their focus onto Prewitt herself as a prime suspect. A key aspect that fueled this suspicion was the absence of any forced entry into their home. As the investigation progressed, prosecutors argued that Prewitt had tried to dispose of a gun by tossing it into a pond, although the firearm remained lodged in the muck. Further compounding the case against her was a boot print near the pond, which was believed to match the boots Prewitt wore.

Throughout her trial, Prewitt maintained her innocence, insisting that an intruder was responsible for the tragic death of her husband. Her case has drawn significant attention over the years, with numerous advocates labeling it a wrongful conviction, citing a deficient investigation and an unfair trial. Despite her claims, she was convicted and went on to become the longest-serving female prisoner in Missouri’s history.

Recently, a website advocating for her clemency highlighted that credible leads pointing to an intruder had been overlooked during the initial investigation, raising questions about the integrity of her conviction. With Parson’s decision to commute her sentence, Prewitt is now eligible for release on parole, although it is important to note that this does not equate to a formal pardon.

In an emotional moment, Prewitt expressed her gratitude for the chance to be reunited with her family, especially during the holiday season, marking a new chapter in her life after decades in prison.

Eric DeValkenaere: A Different Case

In contrast, Eric DeValkenaere, a former Kansas City police detective, was also granted clemency by Governor Parson. His conviction for involuntary manslaughter stemmed from the fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb, which drew significant media and community attention, particularly in the wake of racial justice protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd.

DeValkenaere faced a six-year sentence for his actions, and he was serving his time in an out-of-state facility for safety concerns. His supporters have defended him, claiming that he acted in self-defense and believed that he was helping to protect a fellow officer’s life. However, critics argue that he was held accountable for the senseless killing of an unarmed man.

Upon announcement of DeValkenaere’s commutation, community leaders expressed their outrage, referring to the decision as a “betrayal of justice” and arguing that it reflects the ongoing issues of systemic racism within the justice system.

A Governor’s Track Record

These two cases highlight the complexities surrounding clemency decisions, something that Governor Parson is no stranger to. Throughout his tenure, he has granted clemency to over 800 individuals, addressing a considerable backlog of requests that accumulated before he took office. In addition to Prewitt and DeValkenaere, the governor also announced eight other commutations and 16 pardons on the same day.

As the community reflects on these recent developments, the stories of Patricia Prewitt and Eric DeValkenaere serve as reminders of the unique challenges and moral dilemmas posed by the clemency process. With opinions divided and emotions running high, the spotlight on Missouri’s justice system continues to shine brightly.