Shockley gets death sentence

SEMO News Service

VAN BUREN -- Lance D. Shockley of Van Buren stood solemnly, showing little emotion, as Presiding Circuit Judge David Evans sentenced him to death Friday afternoon in a Carter County courtroom in Van Buren.

Gasps could be heard throughout the courtroom as Evans announced his decision.

Just moments earlier, Assistant Attorney General Kevin Zoellner had urged Evans to "sentence Mr. Shockley to death. I know it's a tough decision ... we feel it is the appropriate sentence."

Shockley's attorney, Bradford Kessler, asked Evans to do whatever "the court thinks is appropriate."

A Carter County jury had found the 32-year-old guilty of first-degree murder in March following a week-long trial in West Plains.

Shockley was convicted of the March 20, 2005, death of Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. A 12-year veteran of the patrol, Sgt. Graham had just arrived home after completing his shift when he was killed.

After hearing evidence in the penalty phase of the trial, the jury was unable to agree on whether Shockley should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment for his crime.

Under the law, because the jury found the statutory aggravating circumstances outweighed mitigating circumstances in this case, the judge, officials report, was allowed to consider both punishments when he sentenced Shockley.

Members of Graham's family, as well as officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, felt Evans made the right decision and "justice has been served."

During Friday's hearing, Evans went over Shockley's right to appeal and his attorneys indicated an appeal was planned.

"We feel that justice has been done in this matter and that an appropriate sentence has been imposed," said Captain Billy E. Chadwick upon hearing the sentence Friday afternoon. Chadwick serves as commanding officer of Troop G in Willow Springs.

Graham was serving as sergeant of Zone G at the time of his death.

Chadwick continued, "We pray that today's judgment will bring at least a small measure of closure for Dewayne's family, friends, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the numerous law enforcement agencies who assisted us during this entire process."

Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol concurred, and added, "We also want to recognize Judge Evans, the jury, and Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster and his staff for the time and effort they gave to this case."

Carl Graham of Dexter, father of the slain officer, said of the verdict Friday, "We are elated at this just decision and feel we can finally find some closure. We will work now to move on."

Graham and his family were in the Carter County courtroom for the reading of the sentence.

Noreen Hyslop, editor of The Daily Statesman, also contributed to this story.