HERMANN, MO – Emotions ran high in a Gasconade County courtroom Saturday as Kenneth Simpson, 38, was found guilty of fatally shooting a police officer and wounding a detective nearly three years ago. The verdict places Simpson among those facing the possibility of the death penalty in Missouri.

The convictions stem from a violent confrontation on March 12, 2023, at a convenience store in the small city of Hermann. That night, two officers—Mason Griffith, 34, and Adam Sullentrup, also 34—responded to reports of a distressed individual at the Casey’s General Store. Employees had called police, reporting troubling behavior from a customer later identified as Simpson.

Simpson, who already had several outstanding warrants across multiple counties, became the focus of the officers’ attention as they entered the store. Witnesses told jurors Simpson appeared increasingly on edge, with one customer describing him as “ready for battle” prior to the shooting.

Testimony during the trial from store patrons and employees detailed the moments leading up to the deadly encounter. Ethan Owens, an employee on duty, reported that Simpson had used an alias to place a food order, but Owens recognized him from previous interactions and felt uneasy about his presence. Another witness, Jeremiah Johnson, took it upon himself to alert Detective Sullentrup to Simpson’s suspicious behavior and warned that Simpson might have pending warrants.

Officers Griffith and Sullentrup approached Simpson in a calm manner, both keeping their weapons holstered during their initial conversation, according to witness testimony and video evidence. Surveillance footage presented in court captured the sudden escalation as Simpson pulled out a firearm and opened fire on the officers without warning.

As chaos erupted, Simpson fled the scene, leaving behind the wounded officers. Civilians and store employees immediately jumped in to help, with customer Jason Nettles and employee Ethan Owens attempting to revive Griffith, while cashier Kassandra Quilario rushed to support Sullentrup. Despite their efforts, Griffith died from his injuries that night. Sullentrup, after being hospitalized, eventually recovered.

A large-scale manhunt ensued, ending the following day when Simpson was taken into custody following a standoff with state authorities. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and first-degree assault, among other offenses.

Saturday’s jury decision comes after days of emotional testimony and review of graphic evidence. The guilty verdict has brought a measure of closure to the community, which has mourned the loss of Officer Griffith since the shooting.

Simpson now awaits sentencing. Under Missouri law, the court may impose life without parole or the death penalty for first-degree murder. The sentencing phase is set to determine his fate in the coming weeks.

The case has drawn attention within law enforcement circles, highlighting the dangers officers face in routine calls and the split-second decisions that can lead to tragedy. Hermann residents continue to honor Officer Griffith’s memory while supporting Sullentrup as he moves forward after surviving the attack.

No sentencing date has been announced as of Sunday, but officials say the proceedings will continue in Gasconade County Circuit Court.