SUMMARY: Kurtis Watkins, a St. Louis man sentenced to 25 years for a 2013 shooting based solely on a police officer’s testimony, is petitioning to vacate his conviction. Watkins maintains his innocence, and the only evidence against him was the eyewitness account of Officer Steven Pinkerton, who has since been identified as having a history of racist social media posts and questionable conduct. Watkins’ attorney argues that crucial information regarding Pinkerton’s credibility was withheld during the trial. The petition claims ineffective assistance from Watkins’ original lawyer for failing to present an alibi witness. Legal experts express skepticism about the challenges ahead in the habeas process.

Read the full article

The post Kurtis Watkins asks federal court to free him from prison, citing revelations about St. Louis cop • Missouri Independent appeared first on missouriindependent.com

SUMMARY: The St. Louis Regional Crime Commission, which has enhanced regional safety for nearly 20 years, recently underwent leadership changes. Former U.S. Attorney Ed Dowd, who founded the commission and established CrimeStoppers, passed the torch to James Whyte, while Jimmie Edwards became the new board chairman. CrimeStoppers, an anonymous tip program, has received almost 40,000 tips, provided over $383,000 in awards, and cleared more than 40 homicide cases. The organization, largely funded by private donations, aims for long-term crime reduction and community safety, with a shared hope for a safer St. Louis region reflected in its ongoing initiatives.

Read the full article

The post 'We all have the same hope': St. Louis Regional Crime Commission under new leadership appeared first on fox2now.com

SUMMARY: This week, snow and ice have led to numerous fender benders, prompting advice on handling car accidents when police cannot respond. First, ensure your safety by pulling over if possible and turning on your hazard lights. Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and call 911 if anyone is injured. If police don’t arrive, report the accident for insurance purposes and document the scene with photos. It’s crucial to gather witness information yourself. If you don’t feel hurt immediately due to adrenaline, seek medical attention to ensure your well-being. Avoid signing anything without consulting a lawyer.

Snow and ice-covered roads have led to multiple crashes in the St. Louis area this week. In our Legal Lens, Brown & Crouppen …

Source