KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Jackson County judge Thursday denied a motion from the Missouri Attorney General's Office that a judge order fingerprint testing in the Kevin Strickland murder case.
The ruling comes before a 2-day hearing next week that could potentially vacate the 1979 triple murder conviction of Strickland.
Judge Kevin Duane Harrell wrote in his ruling the attorney general's office "were aware of the existence of the unexamined fingerprint cards prior to September 3, 2021; resultantly there has been more than sufficient time and opportunity to request fingerprint testing."
The ruling also stated fingerprint testing at this point in the case "would frustrate interests of all participants in resolving this matter promptly and specifically by October 5, 2021."
Earlier this month, Schmitt’s office faced a Sept. 3 deadline to submit any final requests for discovery in the case. A spokesperson for Schmitt’s office said at the time they did not plan to seek an extension.
The judge also ruled the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office must immediately give the AG's office the notes taken during the interview of Eric Wesson, a witness in the case.
The final motion asked prosecutors to provide a list of all exhibits they plan to use at the hearing. Prosecutors said they plan to issue that list Thursday, at which point the AG’s office would determine if they want more details.
No ruling on that motion was filed as of Thursday night.
