SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen on connection with a series of alleged drug crimes.

On Friday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit made an arrest following an extensive investigation into multiple recent juvenile narcotics related overdoses in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies arrested and booked Jackson C. Miller, 17, Topeka, into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of distribution of an opiate, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, use of a communication facility in committing a felony drug crime and possession with intent to sell prescription drugs.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen on connection with a series of alleged drug crimes.On Friday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit made an arrest following an extensive investigation into multiple recent juvenile narcotics related overdoses in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies arrested and booked Jackson C. Miller, 17, Topeka, into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of distribution of an opiate, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, use of a communication facility in committing a felony drug crime and possession with intent to sell prescription drugs.

Kan. teen arrested following recent juvenile overdoses 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Mickey Joseph, Nebraska's interim football coach for nine games this season, is accused of putting his hands around a woman's throat, pulling her hair and punching her before being taken into custody, according to a police affidavit filed Thursday.

Joseph, 54, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of strangulation and third-degree domestic assault. Joseph denied to police that he assaulted the woman. Nebraska placed Joseph on administrative leave.

Joseph made his initial court appearance on video from the Lancaster County Jail on Thursday. He did not enter a plea. His bond was set at $20,000 and he was ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. His next court appearance was set for Jan. 30. His attorney, Sean Brennan, did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Police went to a Lincoln residence Wednesday afternoon after a report of a domestic disturbance.

The woman said she and Joseph were in an argument when Joseph pushed her, causing her to fall onto a couch. She said Joseph got on top of her and placed his hands around her throat.

"He pushed me on the couch and strangled me," she said, according to the affidavit. She said her breathing was impeded and that she wasn't able to breathe until she pushed him off.

When she went into the kitchen, she said, Joseph grabbed her hair from behind and pulled her backward, causing her to fall to the floor. In the process of falling, she said, Joseph struck her in the left temple with a closed fist.

Police said she had visible redness and swelling around her left eye which was consistent with being struck, and she was observed to have several strands of hair clinging to her upper pant leg. She said the hairs were pulled from her when Joseph grabbed her.

The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they have been subjected to extreme abuse. The woman in the Joseph case has not publicly identified herself.

The woman also said Joseph also grabbed her phone and attempted to flush it down a toilet. Police said they saw the phone inside a container of rice on the kitchen counter.

A relative of the woman also was at the residence, and he told police he saw Joseph's hands around the woman's throat and that Joseph pushed her onto the couch after he yelled to him. Joseph left the home and was located by police at another location.

Joseph's arrest came two days after Matt Rhule was introduced as the Cornhuskers' new head coach. Rhule had said Monday he planned to meet with Joseph to discuss the possibility of Joseph remaining on the staff. Rhule declined comment through an athletic department spokesman.

Joseph is under contract through Dec. 31, 2023, and his annual salary is listed at $600,000. Under terms of the contract, he could be fired for cause if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony that impairs his ability to perform duties on behalf of the university. If a firing for cause is upheld, the university would not have to pay the remaining money owed on the contract.

Joseph was a quarterback for the Cornhuskers from 1988-91 and had run-ins with police during his playing days. He returned to Nebraska last December as receivers coach and was named interim head coach Sept. 11 after Alberts fired Scott Frost. The Huskers were 3-6 under Joseph and finished the season 4-8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669892752505.png" alt="Joseph-photo Lincoln Police" />
 <figcaption>Joseph-photo Lincoln Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Mickey Joseph, Nebraska's interim football coach for nine games this season, is accused of putting his hands around a woman's throat, pulling her hair and punching her before being taken into custody, according to a police affidavit filed Thursday.Joseph, 54, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of strangulation and third-degree domestic assault. Joseph denied to police that he assaulted the woman. Nebraska placed Joseph on administrative leave.Joseph made his initial court appearance on video from the Lancaster County Jail on Thursday. He did not enter a plea. His bond was set at $20,000 and he was ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim. His next court appearance was set for Jan. 30. His attorney, Sean Brennan, did not respond to a message seeking comment.Police went to a Lincoln residence Wednesday afternoon after a report of a domestic disturbance.The woman said she and Joseph were in an argument when Joseph pushed her, causing her to fall onto a couch. She said Joseph got on top of her and placed his hands around her throat."He pushed me on the couch and strangled me," she said, according to the affidavit. She said her breathing was impeded and that she wasn't able to breathe until she pushed him off.When she went into the kitchen, she said, Joseph grabbed her hair from behind and pulled her backward, causing her to fall to the floor. In the process of falling, she said, Joseph struck her in the left temple with a closed fist.Police said she had visible redness and swelling around her left eye which was consistent with being struck, and she was observed to have several strands of hair clinging to her upper pant leg. She said the hairs were pulled from her when Joseph grabbed her.The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they have been subjected to extreme abuse. The woman in the Joseph case has not publicly identified herself.The woman also said Joseph also grabbed her phone and attempted to flush it down a toilet. Police said they saw the phone inside a container of rice on the kitchen counter.A relative of the woman also was at the residence, and he told police he saw Joseph's hands around the woman's throat and that Joseph pushed her onto the couch after he yelled to him. Joseph left the home and was located by police at another location.Joseph's arrest came two days after Matt Rhule was introduced as the Cornhuskers' new head coach. Rhule had said Monday he planned to meet with Joseph to discuss the possibility of Joseph remaining on the staff. Rhule declined comment through an athletic department spokesman.Joseph is under contract through Dec. 31, 2023, and his annual salary is listed at $600,000. Under terms of the contract, he could be fired for cause if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony that impairs his ability to perform duties on behalf of the university. If a firing for cause is upheld, the university would not have to pay the remaining money owed on the contract.Joseph was a quarterback for the Cornhuskers from 1988-91 and had run-ins with police during his playing days. He returned to Nebraska last December as receivers coach and was named interim head coach Sept. 11 after Alberts fired Scott Frost. The Huskers were 3-6 under Joseph and finished the season 4-8.

Woman tells police: Univ. of Nebraska coach strangled me

KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City man face multiple felony counts after they were involved in fleeing from a Highway Patrol officer and firing shots at the officer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Christopher A. Northcutt, 31, faces Assault 1st Degree or Attempt, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting A Lawful Stop, Tampering With Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecution and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.

John P. Glock Jr., 29,&nbsp; faces Assault 1st Degree or Attempt, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, Tampering with Physical Evidence In Felony Prosecution and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.

According to court records, on Nov. 19, 2022, a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper was conducting a traffic stop on a pickup truck that had been traveling 92 miles per hour in a 70-mph zone. 

The stop was attempted on Interstate 70 at Grain Valley. The driver of the truck briefly pulled over then accelerated away at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued. The trooper pursued and a passenger in the vehicle emerged from the passenger side and fired several shots at the trooper. Shell casings were recovered. 

Video surveillance showed three suspects in the vehicle, when the vehicle was abandoned at a motel. The suspects entered a hotel laundry room and rented a room. The suspect used an ID identifying him as John Glock. The investigation of this incident resulted in a cell phone video showing that defendant Northcutt was in the vehicle involved in fleeing the trooper.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670013867051.png" alt="Northcutt-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Northcutt-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Two Kansas City man face multiple felony counts after they were involved in fleeing from a Highway Patrol officer and firing shots at the officer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Christopher A. Northcutt, 31, faces Assault 1st Degree or Attempt, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting A Lawful Stop, Tampering With Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecution and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.John P. Glock Jr., 29,&nbsp; faces Assault 1st Degree or Attempt, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, Tampering with Physical Evidence In Felony Prosecution and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.According to court records, on Nov. 19, 2022, a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper was conducting a traffic stop on a pickup truck that had been traveling 92 miles per hour in a 70-mph zone. The stop was attempted on Interstate 70 at Grain Valley. The driver of the truck briefly pulled over then accelerated away at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued. The trooper pursued and a passenger in the vehicle emerged from the passenger side and fired several shots at the trooper. Shell casings were recovered. Video surveillance showed three suspects in the vehicle, when the vehicle was abandoned at a motel. The suspects entered a hotel laundry room and rented a room. The suspect used an ID identifying him as John Glock. The investigation of this incident resulted in a cell phone video showing that defendant Northcutt was in the vehicle involved in fleeing the trooper.&nbsp;

2 charged after firing shots at State Trooper on I-70

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a&nbsp; shooting on Wednesday that sent a man to the hospital have a suspect in custody.

Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a parking lot in the 1100 Block of Johnson Drive to check the welfare of a man, according to a media release.

The man had a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Just after 12:30p.m. Thursday, members of the Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee Police, Johnson County Sheriff's office and Olathe police were involved in a pursuit of a suspect in connection with the shooting, according to a media release.

The pursuit ended in the 11800 Block of Black Bob Road in Olathe when officers arrested the suspect.

The victim hospitalized Wednesday night remains in critical condition, according to police. The name of the victim and suspect have not been released.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting.

The man had a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. City of Shawnee police detectives and the Johnson County Criminalistics Lab Crime Scene investigation unit were working to identify evidence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669979650077.png" alt="The pursuit of the shooting suspect ended in&nbsp;11800 Block of Black Bob Road in Olathe-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The pursuit of the shooting suspect ended in&nbsp;11800 Block of Black Bob Road in Olathe-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a&nbsp; shooting on Wednesday that sent a man to the hospital have a suspect in custody.Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a parking lot in the 1100 Block of Johnson Drive to check the welfare of a man, according to a media release.The man had a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Just after 12:30p.m. Thursday, members of the Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee Police, Johnson County Sheriff's office and Olathe police were involved in a pursuit of a suspect in connection with the shooting, according to a media release.The pursuit ended in the 11800 Block of Black Bob Road in Olathe when officers arrested the suspect.The victim hospitalized Wednesday night remains in critical condition, according to police. The name of the victim and suspect have not been released.---------------JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting.Just after 6:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a parking lot in the 1100 Block of Johnson Drive to check the welfare of a man, according to a media release.The man had a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. City of Shawnee police detectives and the Johnson County Criminalistics Lab Crime Scene investigation unit were working to identify evidence.

Kansas shooting suspect captured after chase, crash

KANSAS CITY —A jury on Tuesday convicted a Kansas City man of domestic assault, harassment, conspiracy to commit assault, and violations of protection orders regarding a family member over several weeks in 2019, according to&nbsp; Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

The jury found 57-year-old Michael D. King guilty of seven criminal charges, four of them felonies: Conspiracy to Commit Assault 1st Degree, Tamper or Attempt to Tamper with a Victim in a Felony Case, Domestic Assault 4th Degree, Harassment 1st Degree, and three Violations of Order of Protection.

According to court records, the defendant assaulted his wife in March 2019 by grabbing her by the neck. She filed a police report and sought an order of protection the next month. 

King immediately violated that order. Police were dispatched repeatedly to the residence. He also sent threatening electronic messages, saying he was going to kill her and her family. 

At trial, testimony and evidence showed that after the defendant was arrested and in the Jackson County Detention Center, he enlisted another inmate, about to get out of custody, to kill his wife. 

He gave the inmate information regarding her residence and schedule and the car she drove and directions about how to kill her.&nbsp; King will be sentence Jan. 19, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669857796803.png" alt="King-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>King-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A jury on Tuesday convicted a Kansas City man of domestic assault, harassment, conspiracy to commit assault, and violations of protection orders regarding a family member over several weeks in 2019, according to&nbsp; Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.The jury found 57-year-old Michael D. King guilty of seven criminal charges, four of them felonies: Conspiracy to Commit Assault 1st Degree, Tamper or Attempt to Tamper with a Victim in a Felony Case, Domestic Assault 4th Degree, Harassment 1st Degree, and three Violations of Order of Protection.According to court records, the defendant assaulted his wife in March 2019 by grabbing her by the neck. She filed a police report and sought an order of protection the next month. King immediately violated that order. Police were dispatched repeatedly to the residence. He also sent threatening electronic messages, saying he was going to kill her and her family. At trial, testimony and evidence showed that after the defendant was arrested and in the Jackson County Detention Center, he enlisted another inmate, about to get out of custody, to kill his wife. He gave the inmate information regarding her residence and schedule and the car she drove and directions about how to kill her.&nbsp; King will be sentence Jan. 19, 2023.

KC-area inmate attempted to have his wife killed

FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a southwest Kansas woman for allegedly critically injuring a child in her care.

On November 18, police were dispatched to St. Catherine's Hospital in Garden City after report of a 4-year-old child suffering from a skull fracture, according to a media release.

Through investigation officers were told the child received the injuries while with her babysitter identified as 28-year-old Brianna Edwards of Dodge City.

 Officers continued the investigation and later applied for an arrest warrant for Edwards.&nbsp; On Wednesday, a judge issued the arrest warrant for Edwards with a $7,500 cash or surety bond. Police located Edwards and arrested her without further incident.&nbsp;

She is being held on requested charges of aggravated child endangerment and aggravated battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669930277985.png" alt="Edwards-photo Dodge City Police" />
 <figcaption>Edwards-photo Dodge City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a southwest Kansas woman for allegedly critically injuring a child in her care.On November 18, police were dispatched to St. Catherine's Hospital in Garden City after report of a 4-year-old child suffering from a skull fracture, according to a media release.Through investigation officers were told the child received the injuries while with her babysitter identified as 28-year-old Brianna Edwards of Dodge City. Officers continued the investigation and later applied for an arrest warrant for Edwards.&nbsp; On Wednesday, a judge issued the arrest warrant for Edwards with a $7,500 cash or surety bond. Police located Edwards and arrested her without further incident.&nbsp;She is being held on requested charges of aggravated child endangerment and aggravated battery.

Kan. babysitter jailed after child hospitalized with skull fracture

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Mickey Joseph, Nebraska's interim football coach for nine games after Scott Frost's firing, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of strangulation and third-degree domestic assault.

Police went to a Lincoln residence in the afternoon after a report of a domestic disturbance. Following an investigation, the 54-year-old Joseph was arrested at another location. He was being held at Lancaster Country Jail.

“While the Lincoln Police Department does not normally provide a news release for a domestic-related arrest, due to the high-profile nature of the person involved and, in an effort, to provide transparency on an arrest involving a public figure, notification of the arrest is being made,” police said in a statement.

Matt Rhule was introduced as the Cornhuskers' head coach Monday. Athletic director Trev Alberts had said he spoke with Joseph about the job before Rhule's hiring.

Rhule had not announced whether Joseph would be retained on his staff. Rhule declined comment through an athletic department spokesman Wednesday night.

Joseph was a quarterback for the Cornhuskers from 1988-91 and had run-ins with police during his playing days.

He was arrested in September 1990 on suspicion of criminal mischief for allegedly breaking an exterior window and damaging an inner window while trying to enter his girlfriend’s apartment. According to police reports, the girlfriend’s roommate told officers there had been a domestic dispute going on for several hours before the incident occurred. No charges were filed in that case because of uncooperative witnesses.

Joseph also was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Lincoln in 1989 and suspended for one game.

Joseph's 25-year coaching career has taken him to all levels of the college game. Rivals.com named him one of the nation's top 25 recruiters in 2019, and he developed four receivers selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft in five years at LSU.

He returned to Nebraska last December as receivers coach and was named interim head coach Sept. 11 after Alberts fired Frost. The Huskers were 3-6 under Joseph and finished the season 4-8.

“I was made aware of the charges against Coach Joseph and given the nature of the allegations and based on University policy he has been placed on administrative leave," Alberts said in a statement. "We will have no additional comment at this time.”

Joseph had said at his first news conference as interim coach that he wanted the job full-time. He extended scholarship offers to several prospects during his 10 weeks on the job, and he vowed in September to leave the program in better shape than he found it.

“We’re going to do the job the right way,” he said. “We’re not going to sabotage the place.”

When asked Monday by The Associated Press how Joseph reacted when told Rhule would be hired, Alberts said, “He took it really good.”

Alberts did not answer directly Monday when asked if Joseph were a serious candidate. Alberts has repeatedly lauded Joseph for creating positive energy around the team and motivating players to play hard.

“Mickey's an outstanding coach, and he's obviously got a huge and bright future in the business, and we'll see whether it continues here,” Alberts said Monday. “Coach Rhule wants to sit down with him. I have so much respect for Mickey Joseph and what he's done for our program, and our players do as well.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669892752505.png" alt="Joseph-photo Lincoln Police" />
 <figcaption>Joseph-photo Lincoln Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Mickey Joseph, Nebraska's interim football coach for nine games after Scott Frost's firing, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of strangulation and third-degree domestic assault.Police went to a Lincoln residence in the afternoon after a report of a domestic disturbance. Following an investigation, the 54-year-old Joseph was arrested at another location. He was being held at Lancaster Country Jail.“While the Lincoln Police Department does not normally provide a news release for a domestic-related arrest, due to the high-profile nature of the person involved and, in an effort, to provide transparency on an arrest involving a public figure, notification of the arrest is being made,” police said in a statement.Further details weren't released.Matt Rhule was introduced as the Cornhuskers' head coach Monday. Athletic director Trev Alberts had said he spoke with Joseph about the job before Rhule's hiring.Rhule had not announced whether Joseph would be retained on his staff. Rhule declined comment through an athletic department spokesman Wednesday night.Joseph was a quarterback for the Cornhuskers from 1988-91 and had run-ins with police during his playing days.He was arrested in September 1990 on suspicion of criminal mischief for allegedly breaking an exterior window and damaging an inner window while trying to enter his girlfriend’s apartment. According to police reports, the girlfriend’s roommate told officers there had been a domestic dispute going on for several hours before the incident occurred. No charges were filed in that case because of uncooperative witnesses.Joseph also was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Lincoln in 1989 and suspended for one game.Joseph's 25-year coaching career has taken him to all levels of the college game. Rivals.com named him one of the nation's top 25 recruiters in 2019, and he developed four receivers selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft in five years at LSU.He returned to Nebraska last December as receivers coach and was named interim head coach Sept. 11 after Alberts fired Frost. The Huskers were 3-6 under Joseph and finished the season 4-8.“I was made aware of the charges against Coach Joseph and given the nature of the allegations and based on University policy he has been placed on administrative leave," Alberts said in a statement. "We will have no additional comment at this time.”Joseph had said at his first news conference as interim coach that he wanted the job full-time. He extended scholarship offers to several prospects during his 10 weeks on the job, and he vowed in September to leave the program in better shape than he found it.“We’re going to do the job the right way,” he said. “We’re not going to sabotage the place.”When asked Monday by The Associated Press how Joseph reacted when told Rhule would be hired, Alberts said, “He took it really good.”Alberts did not answer directly Monday when asked if Joseph were a serious candidate. Alberts has repeatedly lauded Joseph for creating positive energy around the team and motivating players to play hard.“Mickey's an outstanding coach, and he's obviously got a huge and bright future in the business, and we'll see whether it continues here,” Alberts said Monday. “Coach Rhule wants to sit down with him. I have so much respect for Mickey Joseph and what he's done for our program, and our players do as well.”

Univ. of Nebraska coach arrested for alleged domestic assault

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.

On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served three search warrants in the 1200 BLK NW Polk Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police LT. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrants, officers located cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

They arrested 55-year-old Mark Schumacher, 62-year-old Peggy Long and 34-year-old&nbsp;Dominic Montano.

Schumacher is being held on requested charges that include Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of paraphernalia and&nbsp; Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communication facility

&nbsp;Long and Montano are being held on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669809146075.png" alt="Schumacher-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Schumacher-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served three search warrants in the 1200 BLK NW Polk Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police LT. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrants, officers located cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669809076291.png" alt="Long-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Long-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They arrested 55-year-old Mark Schumacher, 62-year-old Peggy Long and 34-year-old&nbsp;Dominic Montano.Schumacher is being held on requested charges that include Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of paraphernalia and&nbsp; Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communication facility<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669809211207.png" alt="Montano-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Montano-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Long and Montano are being held on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Police find cocaine, meth and marijuana during Kansas drug bust

BONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) — An inmate convicted of ambushing and killing a Missouri police officer he blamed in the death of his younger brother was executed Tuesday night.

Kevin Johnson, 37, died after an injection of pentobarbital at the state prison in Bonne Terre. It was the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-executions-st-louis-sentencing-missouri-30fa4991720e49efc6690f4c99244061">second execution this year</a>&nbsp;and the 17th nationally. Two more executions are scheduled in Missouri for the first few weeks of 2023.

Johnson’s attorneys didn’t deny that he killed Officer William McEntee in 2005, but contended he was sentenced to death in part because he is Black. But courts,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-executions-missouri-3c5c00c2e09cc3d4639b827e374e45a1">including the U.S. Supreme Court</a>, and Republican Gov. Mike Parson declined to stop the execution.

Johnson declined to make a final statement before the lethal drug was administered.

In a first for modern executions in Missouri, Johnson was not in the execution room alone. His spiritual advisor, the Rev. Darryl Gray, sat at his side. The men spoke softly until the drug was administered. Gray appeared to be reading from the Bible as Johnson shut his eyes. Within seconds, all movement ceased. Gray, a leading St. Louis racial injustice activist, continued reading from the Bible or praying while patting Johnson’s shoulder.

“We read scripture and had a word of prayer,” Gray said. “He apologized again. He apologized to the victim’s family. He apologized to his family. He said he was looking forward to seeing his baby brother. And he said he was ready.”

McEntee, 43, was a 20-year veteran of the police department in Kirkwood, a St. Louis suburb. A husband and father of three, he was among the officers sent to Johnson’s home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.

Johnson saw officers arrive and awoke his 12-year-old brother, Joseph “Bam Bam” Long, who ran to a house next door. Once there, the boy, who suffered from a congenital heart defect, collapsed and began having a seizure.

Johnson testified at trial that McEntee kept his mother from entering the house to aid his brother, who died a short time later at a hospital.

That evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. A court filing from the Missouri attorney general’s office said McEntee was in his car questioning three children when Johnson shot him through the open passenger-side window, striking the officer’s leg, head and torso. A teenager was struck but survived. Johnson then got into the car and took McEntee’s gun.

The court filing said Johnson walked down the street and told his mother that McEntee “let my brother die” and “needs to see what it feels like to die.” Though she told him, “That’s not true,” Johnson returned to the shooting scene and found McEntee alive, on his knees near the patrol car. Johnson shot McEntee in the back and in the head, killing him.

Johnson’s lawyers previously asked the courts to intervene for other reasons, including a history of mental illness and his age — 19 — at the time of the crime. Courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death since the Supreme Court in 2005&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/explore/locked-up-for-life/Roper-v-Simmons">banned the execution</a>&nbsp;of offenders who were younger than 18 at the time of their crime.

But a broader focus of appeals alleged racial bias. In October, St. Louis Circuit Judge Mary Elizabeth Ott appointed a special prosecutor to review the case. The special prosecutor, E.E. Keenan, filed a motion earlier this month to vacate the death sentence, stating that race played a “decisive factor” in the death sentence.

Ott declined to halt the execution, and appeals to the Missouri Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court were turned aside.

Keenan’s court filing said former St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch’s office handled five cases involving the deaths of police officers during his 28 years in office. McCulloch sought the death penalty in the four cases involving Black defendants, but did not seek death in the one case where the defendant was white, the file said.

McCulloch’s father was a police officer killed in the line of duty. McCulloch does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-kansas-city-missouri-american-civil-liberties-union-fb286220ab2c127df3b9f56db67c6d45">Johnson’s 19-year-old daughter</a>, Khorry Ramey, had sought to witness the execution, but a state law prohibits anyone under 21 from observing the process. Courts declined to step in on Ramey’s behalf.

The U.S. saw 98 executions in 1999 but the number has dropped dramatically in recent years. Missouri already has two scheduled for early 2023. Convicted killer Scott McLaughlin is scheduled to die on Jan. 3, and convicted killer Leonard Taylor’s execution is set for Feb. 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661445268889.png" alt="Johnson photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>BONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) — An inmate convicted of ambushing and killing a Missouri police officer he blamed in the death of his younger brother was executed Tuesday night.Kevin Johnson, 37, died after an injection of pentobarbital at the state prison in Bonne Terre. It was the state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-executions-st-louis-sentencing-missouri-30fa4991720e49efc6690f4c99244061">second execution this year</a>&nbsp;and the 17th nationally. Two more executions are scheduled in Missouri for the first few weeks of 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669773468306.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson’s attorneys didn’t deny that he killed Officer William McEntee in 2005, but contended he was sentenced to death in part because he is Black. But courts,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-executions-missouri-3c5c00c2e09cc3d4639b827e374e45a1">including the U.S. Supreme Court</a>, and Republican Gov. Mike Parson declined to stop the execution.Johnson declined to make a final statement before the lethal drug was administered.In a first for modern executions in Missouri, Johnson was not in the execution room alone. His spiritual advisor, the Rev. Darryl Gray, sat at his side. The men spoke softly until the drug was administered. Gray appeared to be reading from the Bible as Johnson shut his eyes. Within seconds, all movement ceased. Gray, a leading St. Louis racial injustice activist, continued reading from the Bible or praying while patting Johnson’s shoulder.“We read scripture and had a word of prayer,” Gray said. “He apologized again. He apologized to the victim’s family. He apologized to his family. He said he was looking forward to seeing his baby brother. And he said he was ready.”McEntee, 43, was a 20-year veteran of the police department in Kirkwood, a St. Louis suburb. A husband and father of three, he was among the officers sent to Johnson’s home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.Johnson saw officers arrive and awoke his 12-year-old brother, Joseph “Bam Bam” Long, who ran to a house next door. Once there, the boy, who suffered from a congenital heart defect, collapsed and began having a seizure.Johnson testified at trial that McEntee kept his mother from entering the house to aid his brother, who died a short time later at a hospital.That evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. A court filing from the Missouri attorney general’s office said McEntee was in his car questioning three children when Johnson shot him through the open passenger-side window, striking the officer’s leg, head and torso. A teenager was struck but survived. Johnson then got into the car and took McEntee’s gun.The court filing said Johnson walked down the street and told his mother that McEntee “let my brother die” and “needs to see what it feels like to die.” Though she told him, “That’s not true,” Johnson returned to the shooting scene and found McEntee alive, on his knees near the patrol car. Johnson shot McEntee in the back and in the head, killing him.Johnson’s lawyers previously asked the courts to intervene for other reasons, including a history of mental illness and his age — 19 — at the time of the crime. Courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death since the Supreme Court in 2005&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/explore/locked-up-for-life/Roper-v-Simmons">banned the execution</a>&nbsp;of offenders who were younger than 18 at the time of their crime.But a broader focus of appeals alleged racial bias. In October, St. Louis Circuit Judge Mary Elizabeth Ott appointed a special prosecutor to review the case. The special prosecutor, E.E. Keenan, filed a motion earlier this month to vacate the death sentence, stating that race played a “decisive factor” in the death sentence.Ott declined to halt the execution, and appeals to the Missouri Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court were turned aside.Keenan’s court filing said former St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch’s office handled five cases involving the deaths of police officers during his 28 years in office. McCulloch sought the death penalty in the four cases involving Black defendants, but did not seek death in the one case where the defendant was white, the file said.McCulloch’s father was a police officer killed in the line of duty. McCulloch does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-kansas-city-missouri-american-civil-liberties-union-fb286220ab2c127df3b9f56db67c6d45">Johnson’s 19-year-old daughter</a>, Khorry Ramey, had sought to witness the execution, but a state law prohibits anyone under 21 from observing the process. Courts declined to step in on Ramey’s behalf.The U.S. saw 98 executions in 1999 but the number has dropped dramatically in recent years. Missouri already has two scheduled for early 2023. Convicted killer Scott McLaughlin is scheduled to die on Jan. 3, and convicted killer Leonard Taylor’s execution is set for Feb. 7.___

Cop killer declined to make a final statement before put to death

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a burglary have made an arrest.

Just after&nbsp;5:30 a.m. Monday, police responded to a burglary in progress at 1900 SW 41 Street, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

An alert employee of Wright Tree Service observed an individual breaking the window to a company truck and saw the individual trying to break the window to a nearby business. The employee provided additional information to the dispatcher as the to the direction of travel. Officers arrived and were able to set up a perimeter. 

As a result of the investigation, an individual was taken into custody nearby with the assistance of a K9 unit. 

Juan Carlos Chavez, 30, of Topeka was transported to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Felony Criminal Damage, Felony Obstruction and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669673460506.png" alt="Chavez-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Chavez-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities investigating a burglary have made an arrest.Just after&nbsp;5:30 a.m. Monday, police responded to a burglary in progress at 1900 SW 41 Street, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.An alert employee of Wright Tree Service observed an individual breaking the window to a company truck and saw the individual trying to break the window to a nearby business. The employee provided additional information to the dispatcher as the to the direction of travel. Officers arrived and were able to set up a perimeter. As a result of the investigation, an individual was taken into custody nearby with the assistance of a K9 unit. Juan Carlos Chavez, 30, of Topeka was transported to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Felony Criminal Damage, Felony Obstruction and Theft.

Alert employee helps police catch Kansas burglary suspect

KANSAS CITY —Three defendants were arrested Monday and made their initial court appearances in connection with an indictment, unsealed Monday charging them for their roles in a conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a conspiracy to kidnap persons and use weapons of mass destruction in a foreign country, according to the United State's Attorney.

Claude N. Chi, 40, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Francis Chenyi, 49, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Lah Nestor Langmi, 46, of Buffalo, New York, all of whom are U.S. citizens of Cameroonian origin, are charged in a four-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 18, 2022. The indictment was unsealed and made public following their arrests and initial court appearances.

The federal indictment alleges that Chi, Chenyi and Langmi have supported and raised funds for separatist fighters in Cameroon since Jan. 1, 2018. As alleged, they each held senior level positions within an organization that supported and directed the militant separatist group known as the Ambazonian Restoration Forces and other separatist fighters in Cameroon’s Northwest Region.

Chi, Chenyi and Langmi allegedly solicited and raised funds for equipment, supplies, weapons and explosive materials to be used in attacks against Cameroonian government personnel, security forces and property, along with other civilians believed to be enabling the government. These funds were raised through online chat applications and payment platforms from individuals located in the United States and abroad. The funds were then transferred from various financial and cryptocurrency accounts controlled by the defendants through intermediaries to the separatist fighters to support attacks in Cameroon.

In addition to more than $350,000 the defendants raised through voluntary donations, the indictment alleges Chi, Chenyi and Langmi conspired with others to kidnap civilians in Cameroon and hold them for ransom. In some instances, U.S. citizens were extorted for ransom payments to secure the release of their kidnapped relatives living in Cameroon. The ransom payments were subsequently transferred to the separatist fighters to fund their operations.

According to the indictment, the defendants authored a document that included a list of expenditures related to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms and ammunition. Other expenditures included funds related to the kidnapping of Cardinal Christian Tumi and of a Cameroonian traditional leader named Sehm Mbinglo II on Nov. 5, 2020.

Chi, Chenyi and Langmi are charged with one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to kill, kidnap and maim persons in a foreign country and one count of providing material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction outside the United States. They are additionally charged with one count of receiving money from a ransom demand and one count of participating in a money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of up to 15 years in prison for the material support charges, up to three years in prison for the receiving money from a ransom demand charge and up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy charge.

KANSAS CITY —Three defendants were arrested Monday and made their initial court appearances in connection with an indictment, unsealed Monday charging them for their roles in a conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a conspiracy to kidnap persons and use weapons of mass destruction in a foreign country, according to the United State's Attorney.Claude N. Chi, 40, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Francis Chenyi, 49, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Lah Nestor Langmi, 46, of Buffalo, New York, all of whom are U.S. citizens of Cameroonian origin, are charged in a four-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 18, 2022. The indictment was unsealed and made public following their arrests and initial court appearances.The federal indictment alleges that Chi, Chenyi and Langmi have supported and raised funds for separatist fighters in Cameroon since Jan. 1, 2018. As alleged, they each held senior level positions within an organization that supported and directed the militant separatist group known as the Ambazonian Restoration Forces and other separatist fighters in Cameroon’s Northwest Region.Chi, Chenyi and Langmi allegedly solicited and raised funds for equipment, supplies, weapons and explosive materials to be used in attacks against Cameroonian government personnel, security forces and property, along with other civilians believed to be enabling the government. These funds were raised through online chat applications and payment platforms from individuals located in the United States and abroad. The funds were then transferred from various financial and cryptocurrency accounts controlled by the defendants through intermediaries to the separatist fighters to support attacks in Cameroon.In addition to more than $350,000 the defendants raised through voluntary donations, the indictment alleges Chi, Chenyi and Langmi conspired with others to kidnap civilians in Cameroon and hold them for ransom. In some instances, U.S. citizens were extorted for ransom payments to secure the release of their kidnapped relatives living in Cameroon. The ransom payments were subsequently transferred to the separatist fighters to fund their operations.According to the indictment, the defendants authored a document that included a list of expenditures related to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms and ammunition. Other expenditures included funds related to the kidnapping of Cardinal Christian Tumi and of a Cameroonian traditional leader named Sehm Mbinglo II on Nov. 5, 2020.Chi, Chenyi and Langmi are charged with one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to kill, kidnap and maim persons in a foreign country and one count of providing material support or resources intended to be used to carry out a conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction outside the United States. They are additionally charged with one count of receiving money from a ransom demand and one count of participating in a money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of up to 15 years in prison for the material support charges, up to three years in prison for the receiving money from a ransom demand charge and up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy charge.

KC-area man indicted for sponsoring violence in Cameroon

WASHINGTON (AP) — Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes was convicted Tuesday of seditious conspiracy for a violent plot to overturn President Joe Biden’s election, handing the Justice Department a major victory in its massive prosecution of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection

A Washington, D.C., jury found Rhodes guilty of sedition after three days of deliberations in the nearly two-month-long trial that showcased the far-right extremist group’s efforts to keep Republican Donald Trump in the White House at all costs. Rhodes was acquitted of two other conspiracy charges.

Using dozens of encrypted messages, recordings and surveillance video, prosecutors made the case that Rhodes began shortly after the 2020 election to prepare an armed rebellion to stop the transfer of presidential power.

Over seven weeks of testimony, jurors heard how Rhodes rallied his followers to fight to defend Trump, discussed the prospect of a “bloody” civil war and warned the Oath Keepers may have to “rise up in insurrection” to defeat Biden if Trump didn’t act.

One of Rhodes' co-defendants — Kelly Meggs, the leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers — was also convicted of the sedition charge, while three other co-defendants were cleared of the charge. Jurors found all five defendants guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding: Congress' certification of Biden's electoral victory.

Rhodes and Meggs are the first people in nearly three decades to be found guilty of the rarely used Civil War-era charge at trial. The trial was the biggest test yet for the Justice Department in its efforts to hold accountable those responsible for attack that shook the foundations of American democracy.

Seditious conspiracy calls for up to 20 years behind bars.

On trial alongside Rhodes, of Granbury, Texas, and Meggs, were Kenneth Harrelson, another Florida Oath Keeper; Thomas Caldwell, a retired Navy intelligence officer from Virginia; and Jessica Watkins, who led an Ohio militia group.

Defense attorneys accused prosecutors of twisting their clients' words and insisted the Oath Keepers came to Washington only to provide security for figures such as Roger Stone, a longtime Trump ally. The defense focused heavily on seeking to show that Rhodes’ rhetoric was just bluster and that the Oath Keepers had no plan before Jan. 6 to attack the Capitol.

Rhodes testified that he had no idea that his followers were going to join the mob and storm the Capitol and said he was upset after he found out that some did. Rhodes said they were acting “stupid” and outside their mission for the day.

Prosecutors said the Oath Keepers saw an opportunity to advance their plot to stop the transfer of power and sprang into action when the mob started storming the Capitol. The Capitol attack was a “means to an end” for the Oath Keepers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy told jurors in her closing argument.

Jurors heard how Rhodes spent thousands of dollars on an AR-platform rifle, magazines, mounts, sights and other equipment on his way to Washington ahead of the riot. They watched surveillance footage from the Virginia hotel where some Oath Keepers stashed weapons for “quick reaction force” teams prosecutors said were ready to get weapons into the city quickly if they were needed. The weapons were never deployed.

On Jan. 6, Oath Keepers wearing combat gear were seen on camera shouldering their way through the crowd and into the Capitol. Rhodes remained outside like a “general surveying his troops on the battlefield,” a prosecutor said. After the riot, Rhodes and other Oath Keepers went to an Olive Garden restaurant to celebrate, according to prosecutors.

The trial revealed new details about Rhodes’ efforts to pressure Trump to fight to stay in White House in the weeks leading up to Jan. 6. Shortly after the election, in a group chat that included Stone called “FOS” or “Friends of Stone,” Rhodes wrote, “So will you step up and push Trump to FINALLY take decisive action?”

Another man testified that after the riot, Rhodes tried to persuade him to pass along a message to Trump that urged the president not to give up his fight to hold onto power. The intermediary — a man who told jurors he had an indirect way to reach the president — recorded his meeting with Rhodes and went to the FBI instead of giving the message to Trump.

“If he’s not going to do the right thing and he’s just gonna let himself be removed illegally then we should have brought rifles,” Rhodes said during that meeting, according to a recording played for jurors. “We should have fixed it right then and there. I’d hang (expletive) Pelosi from the lamppost,” Rhodes said, referring to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Three other Oath Keepers previously pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy. The last time the Justice Department had secured such a conviction at trial, though, was in the 1995 prosecution of Islamic militants who plotted to bomb New York City landmarks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669760612209.png" alt="Rhodes from his Jan. 2022 arrest-photo Collin County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Rhodes from his Jan. 2022 arrest-photo Collin County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes was convicted Tuesday of seditious conspiracy for a violent plot to overturn President Joe Biden’s election, handing the Justice Department a major victory in its massive prosecution of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrectionA Washington, D.C., jury found Rhodes guilty of sedition after three days of deliberations in the nearly two-month-long trial that showcased the far-right extremist group’s efforts to keep Republican Donald Trump in the White House at all costs. Rhodes was acquitted of two other conspiracy charges.Using dozens of encrypted messages, recordings and surveillance video, prosecutors made the case that Rhodes began shortly after the 2020 election to prepare an armed rebellion to stop the transfer of presidential power.Over seven weeks of testimony, jurors heard how Rhodes rallied his followers to fight to defend Trump, discussed the prospect of a “bloody” civil war and warned the Oath Keepers may have to “rise up in insurrection” to defeat Biden if Trump didn’t act.One of Rhodes' co-defendants — Kelly Meggs, the leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers — was also convicted of the sedition charge, while three other co-defendants were cleared of the charge. Jurors found all five defendants guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding: Congress' certification of Biden's electoral victory.Rhodes and Meggs are the first people in nearly three decades to be found guilty of the rarely used Civil War-era charge at trial. The trial was the biggest test yet for the Justice Department in its efforts to hold accountable those responsible for attack that shook the foundations of American democracy.Seditious conspiracy calls for up to 20 years behind bars.On trial alongside Rhodes, of Granbury, Texas, and Meggs, were Kenneth Harrelson, another Florida Oath Keeper; Thomas Caldwell, a retired Navy intelligence officer from Virginia; and Jessica Watkins, who led an Ohio militia group.Defense attorneys accused prosecutors of twisting their clients' words and insisted the Oath Keepers came to Washington only to provide security for figures such as Roger Stone, a longtime Trump ally. The defense focused heavily on seeking to show that Rhodes’ rhetoric was just bluster and that the Oath Keepers had no plan before Jan. 6 to attack the Capitol.Rhodes testified that he had no idea that his followers were going to join the mob and storm the Capitol and said he was upset after he found out that some did. Rhodes said they were acting “stupid” and outside their mission for the day.Prosecutors said the Oath Keepers saw an opportunity to advance their plot to stop the transfer of power and sprang into action when the mob started storming the Capitol. The Capitol attack was a “means to an end” for the Oath Keepers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rakoczy told jurors in her closing argument.Jurors heard how Rhodes spent thousands of dollars on an AR-platform rifle, magazines, mounts, sights and other equipment on his way to Washington ahead of the riot. They watched surveillance footage from the Virginia hotel where some Oath Keepers stashed weapons for “quick reaction force” teams prosecutors said were ready to get weapons into the city quickly if they were needed. The weapons were never deployed.On Jan. 6, Oath Keepers wearing combat gear were seen on camera shouldering their way through the crowd and into the Capitol. Rhodes remained outside like a “general surveying his troops on the battlefield,” a prosecutor said. After the riot, Rhodes and other Oath Keepers went to an Olive Garden restaurant to celebrate, according to prosecutors.The trial revealed new details about Rhodes’ efforts to pressure Trump to fight to stay in White House in the weeks leading up to Jan. 6. Shortly after the election, in a group chat that included Stone called “FOS” or “Friends of Stone,” Rhodes wrote, “So will you step up and push Trump to FINALLY take decisive action?”Another man testified that after the riot, Rhodes tried to persuade him to pass along a message to Trump that urged the president not to give up his fight to hold onto power. The intermediary — a man who told jurors he had an indirect way to reach the president — recorded his meeting with Rhodes and went to the FBI instead of giving the message to Trump.“If he’s not going to do the right thing and he’s just gonna let himself be removed illegally then we should have brought rifles,” Rhodes said during that meeting, according to a recording played for jurors. “We should have fixed it right then and there. I’d hang (expletive) Pelosi from the lamppost,” Rhodes said, referring to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.Three other Oath Keepers previously pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy. The last time the Justice Department had secured such a conviction at trial, though, was in the 1995 prosecution of Islamic militants who plotted to bomb New York City landmarks.

Oath Keepers boss guilty of Civil War-era charge in 1/6 case

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas lawmaker who was forced out of one of the state Senate's most powerful jobs following an arrest for drunken driving and speeding the wrong way on two interstate highways is planning to leave the Legislature in early January.

Former Senate Majority Leader Sen. Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, confirmed Tuesday that he plans to retire Jan. 2, saying in an email that his 13 years as a lawmaker "is long enough.” State senators aren't up for reelection until 2024, and Republicans in his district will find a replacement to serve the rest of his four-year term.

Republican senators who picked Suellentrop in December 2020 to set the chamber's daily debate calendar and run their caucus meetings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3">stripped him of the majority leader's title</a>&nbsp;four months later, though he kept his Senate seat. His ouster as majority leader came less than a month after his March 2021 arrest and criminal charges that included attempting to elude law enforcement, a felony. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-kansas-topeka-wichita-8688bba80470c0d77dbd5d816f71a352">pleaded no contest</a>&nbsp;in October 2021 to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence and served two days in jail.

“There are too many things in my life that are more important, at this stage, than serving in the Kansas Legislature,” Suellentrop said in his email Tuesday.

The 70-year-old Wichita businessman added that he was “most thankful for” constituents who supported him throughout his career. His plan to resign was first reported by the Sunflower State Journal.

Suellentrop’s criminal case received national attention because he was a legislative leader and reportedly had been driving up to 90 miles per hour. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper also said in an affidavit that Suellentrop at one point&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-581109d7e604aeb739bb5b896823132d">called him “donut boy.”</a>&nbsp;No one was injured.

Law enforcement radio recordings and 911 calls released by the local sheriff’s department showed multiple people reported Suellentrop’s SUV traveling the wrong way on Interstate 470 near a south Topeka exit and then on Interstate 70 through northern Topeka. The Highway Patrol said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level was 0.17, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.

Besides serving two days in jail, a judge placed Suellentrop on probation for a year, though court records show he was released early, in July.

Suellentrop's legislative career began in December 2009, when local Republicans picked him to fill a vacancy in the state House. He won his Senate seat in 2016 and was reelected in 2020.

He'd served two years as Senate health committee chair when GOP senators named him the chamber's No. 2 leader, behind Senate President Ty Masterson, another Wichita-area Republican.

Chase Blasi, a former aide to Masterson and Masterson's predecessor as Senate president, is seeking Suellentrop's seat. Masterson endorsed him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616963978358.jpeg" alt="Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop booking photo from the Shawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop booking photo from the Shawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas lawmaker who was forced out of one of the state Senate's most powerful jobs following an arrest for drunken driving and speeding the wrong way on two interstate highways is planning to leave the Legislature in early January.Former Senate Majority Leader Sen. Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, confirmed Tuesday that he plans to retire Jan. 2, saying in an email that his 13 years as a lawmaker "is long enough.” State senators aren't up for reelection until 2024, and Republicans in his district will find a replacement to serve the rest of his four-year term.Republican senators who picked Suellentrop in December 2020 to set the chamber's daily debate calendar and run their caucus meetings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-57fe7b37ea34af1a311c59dd71041ec3">stripped him of the majority leader's title</a>&nbsp;four months later, though he kept his Senate seat. His ouster as majority leader came less than a month after his March 2021 arrest and criminal charges that included attempting to elude law enforcement, a felony. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-legislature-kansas-topeka-wichita-8688bba80470c0d77dbd5d816f71a352">pleaded no contest</a>&nbsp;in October 2021 to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and driving under the influence and served two days in jail.“There are too many things in my life that are more important, at this stage, than serving in the Kansas Legislature,” Suellentrop said in his email Tuesday.The 70-year-old Wichita businessman added that he was “most thankful for” constituents who supported him throughout his career. His plan to resign was first reported by the Sunflower State Journal.Suellentrop’s criminal case received national attention because he was a legislative leader and reportedly had been driving up to 90 miles per hour. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper also said in an affidavit that Suellentrop at one point&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-581109d7e604aeb739bb5b896823132d">called him “donut boy.”</a>&nbsp;No one was injured.Law enforcement radio recordings and 911 calls released by the local sheriff’s department showed multiple people reported Suellentrop’s SUV traveling the wrong way on Interstate 470 near a south Topeka exit and then on Interstate 70 through northern Topeka. The Highway Patrol said Suellentrop’s blood-alcohol level was 0.17, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.Besides serving two days in jail, a judge placed Suellentrop on probation for a year, though court records show he was released early, in July.Suellentrop's legislative career began in December 2009, when local Republicans picked him to fill a vacancy in the state House. He won his Senate seat in 2016 and was reelected in 2020.He'd served two years as Senate health committee chair when GOP senators named him the chamber's No. 2 leader, behind Senate President Ty Masterson, another Wichita-area Republican.Chase Blasi, a former aide to Masterson and Masterson's predecessor as Senate president, is seeking Suellentrop's seat. Masterson endorsed him.

Ex-majority leader jailed for DUI is leaving Kansas Senate

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A suspect captured after the abduction of a 6-year-old Kansas girl is awaiting extradition to Kansas.

Just before 7p.m. p.m. Nov. 20, police responded to the 2300 block of N. Amidon in Wichita for an auto theft, kidnapping in a liquor store parking lot, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

A 35-year-old man reported that while he had gone into the store, an unknown man stole his&nbsp;gold/tan Lexus Rx330  with his 6-year-old daughter still inside.

Officers immediately began checking the area for the vehicle and the juvenile and&nbsp; utilized Flock cameras and other License Plate Reader (LPR) technology and learned that the vehicle had entered the Kansas Turnpike headed South at approximately 7:02 p.m.

Neighboring counties, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa Police Department were notified of the circumstances and the vehicle's last known location. 

At 8 p.m., Troopers with Oklahoma Highway Patrol were able to stop the car approximately 22 miles south of the Kansas/Oklahoma state line and recover the girl.

The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Benjamin Brady, was taken into custody by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and booked into the Kay County, Oklahoma jail on requested charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, abduction of individual under age 15 and crossing state line, driving under suspended license, failure to stop for law enforcement and attempt to elude law enforcement, according to online jail records-photo Kay County Oklahoma    

On November 12, police in Wichita arrested Brady for alleged DUI, possession of stolen property and transporting an open container, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669067284425.png" alt="Brady is being held on requested charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, abduction of individual under age 15 and cross ing state line, driving under suspended license, failure to stop for law enforcement and attempt to elude law enforcement, according to online jail records-photo Kay County Oklahoma&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Brady is being held on requested charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, abduction of individual under age 15 and cross ing state line, driving under suspended license, failure to stop for law enforcement and attempt to elude law enforcement, according to online jail records-photo Kay County Oklahoma&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A suspect captured after the abduction of a 6-year-old Kansas girl is awaiting extradition to Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669565691218.png" alt="On November 12, police in Wichita arrested Brady for alleged DUI, possession of stolen property and transporting an open container, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.Brady -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>On November 12, police in Wichita arrested Brady for alleged DUI, possession of stolen property and transporting an open container, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.Brady -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 7p.m. p.m. Nov. 20, police responded to the 2300 block of N. Amidon in Wichita for an auto theft, kidnapping in a liquor store parking lot, according to Officer Trevor Macy.A 35-year-old man reported that while he had gone into the store, an unknown man stole his&nbsp;gold/tan Lexus Rx330 with his 6-year-old daughter still inside.Officers immediately began checking the area for the vehicle and the juvenile and&nbsp; utilized Flock cameras and other License Plate Reader (LPR) technology and learned that the vehicle had entered the Kansas Turnpike headed South at approximately 7:02 p.m.Neighboring counties, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa Police Department were notified of the circumstances and the vehicle's last known location. At 8 p.m., Troopers with Oklahoma Highway Patrol were able to stop the car approximately 22 miles south of the Kansas/Oklahoma state line and recover the girl.The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Benjamin Brady, was taken into custody by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and booked into the Kay County, Oklahoma jail on requested charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, abduction of individual under age 15 and crossing state line, driving under suspended license, failure to stop for law enforcement and attempt to elude law enforcement, according to online jail records-photo Kay County Oklahoma On November 12, police in Wichita arrested Brady for alleged DUI, possession of stolen property and transporting an open container, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.

Suspect in Kan. girl's abduction remains in Oklahoma jail

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The last World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically charged matches in soccer history.

This time, the political overtones are just as strong and relations perhaps even more fraught as the U.S. and Iran face off once again on Tuesday in Qatar.

Iran's nationwide protests, its expanding nuclear program and regional and international attacks linked back to Tehran have pushed the match beyond the stadium and into geopolitics.

No matter the outcome, tensions are likely only to worsen in the coming months.

When relations soured between the U.S. and Iran depends on who you ask. Iranians point to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-united-arab-emirates-ap-top-news-dubai-middle-east-5111167bcaf84892b01eea93eea4bc01">the 1953 CIA-backed coup that cemented Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi's power.</a>&nbsp;Americans remember&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-revolution-anniversary-donald-trump-ap-top-news-persian-gulf-tensions-tehran-c77d68ec46a54bb199960f81de2c0875">the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and 444-day hostage crisis</a>&nbsp;during the Iranian Revolution.

In soccer, however, the timeline is much simpler as this will be only the second time Iran and the U.S. have played each other in the World Cup.

The last time was at the 1998 tournament in France — a totally different time in the Islamic Republic. Iran won 2-1 in Lyon, a low point for the U.S. men's team as Iranians celebrated in Tehran.

At the time, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the Iranian team, saying “the strong and arrogant opponent felt the bitter taste of defeat."

But off the pitch, Iran's then-president, Mohammad Khatami, sought to improve ties to the West and the wider world. Inside Iran, Khatami pushed so-called “reformist" policies, seeking to liberalize aspects of its theocracy while maintaining its structure with a supreme leader at the top.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bcf17618047d8b47168a78dab0d65e68">U.S. President Bill Clinton and his administration hoped Khatami's election could be part of a thaw</a>.

The two teams posed for a joint photograph, and the Iranian players handed white flowers to their American opponents. The U.S. gave the Iranians U.S. Soccer Federation pennants. They even exchanged jerseys, though the Iranians didn't put them on. They later played a friendly in Pasadena, California, as well.

Fast-forward 24 years later, and relations are perhaps more tense than they've ever been.

Iran is now governed entirely by hard-liners after the election of President Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of Khamenei,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran--president-elect-ebrahim-raisi-biden-63db1fbbdb1ff9fe40aca40f3f8046a2">who took part in the 1988 mass execution of thousands of political prisoners at the end of the Iran-Iraq war</a>.

Following the collapse of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, sparked by President Donald Trump's unilateral withdrawal from the accord, Tehran is now enriching uranium to 60% purity — a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels. Non-proliferation experts warn the Islamic Republic already has enough uranium to build at least one nuclear bomb.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-israel-iran-iran-nuclear-united-arab-emirates-9835ba4644959e9cb4584ca999f49002">A shadow war of drone strikes, targeted killings and sabotage</a>&nbsp;has been shaking the wider Middle East for years amid the deal's collapse. Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-iran-europe-dubai-united-arab-emirates-eb59a349e2b55416a863e5304819ec6f">Russia pounds civilian areas and power infrastructure in Ukraine with Iranian-made drones.</a>

For two months, Iran has been convulsed by the mass protests that followed the Sept. 16 death of Mahsa Amini,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-morality-police-explainer-b53475eda867a4158ac5032fe1b3e62e">a 22-year-old woman who had been earlier detained by the country's morality police</a>. The protests have seen at least 451 people killed since they started, as well as over 18,000 arrested, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran, an advocacy group following the demonstrations.

At the World Cup in Qatar,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-world-cup-soccer-sports-wayne-hennessey-a68eafb416294c5e5fcc7656fdf32bd4">Iran's 2-0 win against Wales</a>&nbsp;provided a brief moment of good news for hard-liners. After the match, riot police in Tehran waved Iranian flags in the street, something that angered demonstrators. Khamenei himself acknowledged the win “stirred joy in the country.”

However, the supreme leader warned that “when the World Cup is taking place, all eyes are on it. The opponent typically takes advantage of this lax moment to act.”

As the demonstrations intensified, Iran has alleged without providing evidence that its enemies abroad, including the U.S., are fomenting the unrest. At a World Cup where organizers hoped to divorce politics from the pitch, those tensions have bled out around the stadiums with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-soccer-world-cup-iran-sports-0584e3e37e03babc19f04d79c8843ca0">pro- and anti-government demonstrators shouting at each other</a>.

Ahead of Tuesday's match at Al Thumama Stadium, Iran has released a propaganda video with young children singing, including girls in white hijabs, in front of a small field. Waving flags and set against a blasting synthesizer beat, the children sing: “We back you on the bleachers, all with one voice Iran, Iran."

“We are waiting for a goal, our heart second by second is beating for our Iran,” they add.

Such a win could prove to be a further boost to hard-liners. Already, they've reacted angrily to a protest by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-iran-flag-2bdce7a1ba387050f59f6b8fa32927e8">the U.S. Soccer Federation that saw them briefly erase the emblem of the Islamic Republic from Iran's flag in social media posts</a>.

It's unclear whether any Iranian or U.S. government officials will be on hand for the match.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-sports-soccer-qatar-middle-east-5844db2380e11fd1f469339e35cf9b55">U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken already attended the U.S. match against Wales</a>&nbsp;at the start of the tournament.

But opponents of Iran’s government are on hand in Qatar with their own message. Among them is former U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus, who flew in Monday afternoon for the Iran match. Ortagus served in the Trump administration and was one of the faces of its so-called “maximum pressure” campaign.

“It’s one of those pivotal moments when geopolitics and sports collides,” Ortagus told The Associated Press. “You’re seeing the Iran team do what they can to stand up for the protesters and the people peacefully demonstrating."

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The last World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically charged matches in soccer history.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnlyForward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnlyForward</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SoloPalante?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SoloPalante</a> <a href="https://t.co/GbK82459TR">pic.twitter.com/GbK82459TR</a>&mdash; U.S. Men&#39;s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1597574380892061696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This time, the political overtones are just as strong and relations perhaps even more fraught as the U.S. and Iran face off once again on Tuesday in Qatar.Iran's nationwide protests, its expanding nuclear program and regional and international attacks linked back to Tehran have pushed the match beyond the stadium and into geopolitics.No matter the outcome, tensions are likely only to worsen in the coming months.When relations soured between the U.S. and Iran depends on who you ask. Iranians point to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-united-arab-emirates-ap-top-news-dubai-middle-east-5111167bcaf84892b01eea93eea4bc01">the 1953 CIA-backed coup that cemented Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi's power.</a>&nbsp;Americans remember&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-revolution-anniversary-donald-trump-ap-top-news-persian-gulf-tensions-tehran-c77d68ec46a54bb199960f81de2c0875">the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and 444-day hostage crisis</a>&nbsp;during the Iranian Revolution.In soccer, however, the timeline is much simpler as this will be only the second time Iran and the U.S. have played each other in the World Cup.The last time was at the 1998 tournament in France — a totally different time in the Islamic Republic. Iran won 2-1 in Lyon, a low point for the U.S. men's team as Iranians celebrated in Tehran.At the time, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the Iranian team, saying “the strong and arrogant opponent felt the bitter taste of defeat."But off the pitch, Iran's then-president, Mohammad Khatami, sought to improve ties to the West and the wider world. Inside Iran, Khatami pushed so-called “reformist" policies, seeking to liberalize aspects of its theocracy while maintaining its structure with a supreme leader at the top.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bcf17618047d8b47168a78dab0d65e68">U.S. President Bill Clinton and his administration hoped Khatami's election could be part of a thaw</a>.The two teams posed for a joint photograph, and the Iranian players handed white flowers to their American opponents. The U.S. gave the Iranians U.S. Soccer Federation pennants. They even exchanged jerseys, though the Iranians didn't put them on. They later played a friendly in Pasadena, California, as well.Fast-forward 24 years later, and relations are perhaps more tense than they've ever been.Iran is now governed entirely by hard-liners after the election of President Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of Khamenei,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran--president-elect-ebrahim-raisi-biden-63db1fbbdb1ff9fe40aca40f3f8046a2">who took part in the 1988 mass execution of thousands of political prisoners at the end of the Iran-Iraq war</a>.Following the collapse of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, sparked by President Donald Trump's unilateral withdrawal from the accord, Tehran is now enriching uranium to 60% purity — a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels. Non-proliferation experts warn the Islamic Republic already has enough uranium to build at least one nuclear bomb.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-israel-iran-iran-nuclear-united-arab-emirates-9835ba4644959e9cb4584ca999f49002">A shadow war of drone strikes, targeted killings and sabotage</a>&nbsp;has been shaking the wider Middle East for years amid the deal's collapse. Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-iran-europe-dubai-united-arab-emirates-eb59a349e2b55416a863e5304819ec6f">Russia pounds civilian areas and power infrastructure in Ukraine with Iranian-made drones.</a>For two months, Iran has been convulsed by the mass protests that followed the Sept. 16 death of Mahsa Amini,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-protests-morality-police-explainer-b53475eda867a4158ac5032fe1b3e62e">a 22-year-old woman who had been earlier detained by the country's morality police</a>. The protests have seen at least 451 people killed since they started, as well as over 18,000 arrested, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran, an advocacy group following the demonstrations.At the World Cup in Qatar,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-world-cup-soccer-sports-wayne-hennessey-a68eafb416294c5e5fcc7656fdf32bd4">Iran's 2-0 win against Wales</a>&nbsp;provided a brief moment of good news for hard-liners. After the match, riot police in Tehran waved Iranian flags in the street, something that angered demonstrators. Khamenei himself acknowledged the win “stirred joy in the country.”However, the supreme leader warned that “when the World Cup is taking place, all eyes are on it. The opponent typically takes advantage of this lax moment to act.”As the demonstrations intensified, Iran has alleged without providing evidence that its enemies abroad, including the U.S., are fomenting the unrest. At a World Cup where organizers hoped to divorce politics from the pitch, those tensions have bled out around the stadiums with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-soccer-world-cup-iran-sports-0584e3e37e03babc19f04d79c8843ca0">pro- and anti-government demonstrators shouting at each other</a>.Ahead of Tuesday's match at Al Thumama Stadium, Iran has released a propaganda video with young children singing, including girls in white hijabs, in front of a small field. Waving flags and set against a blasting synthesizer beat, the children sing: “We back you on the bleachers, all with one voice Iran, Iran."“We are waiting for a goal, our heart second by second is beating for our Iran,” they add.Such a win could prove to be a further boost to hard-liners. Already, they've reacted angrily to a protest by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-iran-flag-2bdce7a1ba387050f59f6b8fa32927e8">the U.S. Soccer Federation that saw them briefly erase the emblem of the Islamic Republic from Iran's flag in social media posts</a>.It's unclear whether any Iranian or U.S. government officials will be on hand for the match.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-sports-soccer-qatar-middle-east-5844db2380e11fd1f469339e35cf9b55">U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken already attended the U.S. match against Wales</a>&nbsp;at the start of the tournament.But opponents of Iran’s government are on hand in Qatar with their own message. Among them is former U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus, who flew in Monday afternoon for the Iran match. Ortagus served in the Trump administration and was one of the faces of its so-called “maximum pressure” campaign.“It’s one of those pivotal moments when geopolitics and sports collides,” Ortagus told The Associated Press. “You’re seeing the Iran team do what they can to stand up for the protesters and the people peacefully demonstrating."

Iran-US World Cup clash rife with political tension

An inmate convicted of ambushing and killing a St. Louis area police officer he blamed in the death of his younger brother&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-executions-missouri-3c5c00c2e09cc3d4639b827e374e45a1">was scheduled to be executed</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, barring a last-minute intervention.

Kevin Johnson's legal team doesn't deny that he killed Officer William McEntee in 2005, but contended in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/discrimination-race-and-ethnicity-executions-racial-injustice-missouri-ba50b563ab37d87e3c05a44926391fa1">an appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that he was sentenced to death in part because he is Black. But in a 5-2 ruling late Monday, the state Supreme Court denied a stay.

The U.S. Supreme Court also declined a stay request last week, and Gov. Mike Parson on Monday announced he would not grant clemency.

“The violent murder of any citizen, let alone a Missouri law enforcement officer, should be met only with the fullest punishment state law allows,” Parson, a Republican and a former county sheriff, said in a statement. “Through Mr. Johnson’s own heinous actions, he stole the life of Sergeant McEntee and left a family grieving, a wife widowed, and children fatherless. Clemency will not be granted.”

It wasn't immediately clear if other appeals were planned. A message left early Tuesday with Johnson's lawyer was not immediately returned.

Johnson, 37, faces execution Tuesday evening at the state prison in Bonne Terre. He would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-executions-st-louis-sentencing-missouri-30fa4991720e49efc6690f4c99244061">the second Missouri man put to death in 2022</a>&nbsp;and the 17th nationally.

McEntee, 43, was a 20-year veteran of the police department in Kirkwood, a St. Louis suburb. The father of three was among the officers sent to Johnson’s home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.

That same evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. A court filing from the Missouri attorney general's office said McEntee was in his car questioning three children when Johnson shot him through the open passenger-side window, striking the officer's leg, head and torso. Johnson then got into the car and took McEntee's gun.

The court filing said Johnson walked down the street and told his mother that McEntee “let my brother die” and “needs to see what it feels like to die.” Though she told him, “That's not true,” Johnson returned to the shooting scene and found McEntee alive, on his knees near the patrol car. Johnson shot McEntee in the back and in the head, killing him.

Johnson’s lawyers have previously asked the courts to intervene for other reasons, including a history of mental illness and his age — 19 — at the time of the crime. Courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death since the Supreme Court in 2005&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/explore/locked-up-for-life/Roper-v-Simmons">banned the execution</a>&nbsp;of offenders who were younger than 18 at the time of their crime.

But a broader focus of appeals has been on alleged racial bias. In October, St. Louis Circuit Judge Mary Elizabeth Ott appointed a special prosecutor to review the case. The special prosecutor, E.E. Keenan, filed a motion earlier this month to vacate the death sentence, stating that race played a “decisive factor” in the death sentence.

Ott declined to set aside the death penalty.

Keenan told the state Supreme Court that former St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch’s office handled five cases involving the deaths of police officers during his 28 years in office. McCulloch sought the death penalty in the four cases involving Black defendants, but did not seek death in the one case where the defendant was white, the file said.

Assistant Attorney General Andrew Crane responded that “a fair jury determined he deserves the death penalty.”

McCulloch does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-kansas-city-missouri-american-civil-liberties-union-fb286220ab2c127df3b9f56db67c6d45">Johnson's 19-year-old daughter</a>, Khorry Ramey, had sought to witness the execution, but a state law prohibits anyone under 21 from observing the process. Courts have declined to step in on Ramey's behalf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661445268889.png" alt="Johnson-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM SALTER&nbsp;An inmate convicted of ambushing and killing a St. Louis area police officer he blamed in the death of his younger brother&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-executions-missouri-3c5c00c2e09cc3d4639b827e374e45a1">was scheduled to be executed</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, barring a last-minute intervention.Kevin Johnson's legal team doesn't deny that he killed Officer William McEntee in 2005, but contended in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/discrimination-race-and-ethnicity-executions-racial-injustice-missouri-ba50b563ab37d87e3c05a44926391fa1">an appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that he was sentenced to death in part because he is Black. But in a 5-2 ruling late Monday, the state Supreme Court denied a stay.The U.S. Supreme Court also declined a stay request last week, and Gov. Mike Parson on Monday announced he would not grant clemency.“The violent murder of any citizen, let alone a Missouri law enforcement officer, should be met only with the fullest punishment state law allows,” Parson, a Republican and a former county sheriff, said in a statement. “Through Mr. Johnson’s own heinous actions, he stole the life of Sergeant McEntee and left a family grieving, a wife widowed, and children fatherless. Clemency will not be granted.”It wasn't immediately clear if other appeals were planned. A message left early Tuesday with Johnson's lawyer was not immediately returned.Johnson, 37, faces execution Tuesday evening at the state prison in Bonne Terre. He would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-executions-st-louis-sentencing-missouri-30fa4991720e49efc6690f4c99244061">the second Missouri man put to death in 2022</a>&nbsp;and the 17th nationally.McEntee, 43, was a 20-year veteran of the police department in Kirkwood, a St. Louis suburb. The father of three was among the officers sent to Johnson’s home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.Johnson saw officers arrive and awoke his 12-year-old brother, Joseph “Bam Bam” Long, who ran to a house next door. Once there, the boy, who suffered from a congenital heart defect, collapsed and began having a seizure.Johnson testified at trial that McEntee kept his mother from entering the house to aid his brother, who died a short time later at a hospital.That same evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. A court filing from the Missouri attorney general's office said McEntee was in his car questioning three children when Johnson shot him through the open passenger-side window, striking the officer's leg, head and torso. Johnson then got into the car and took McEntee's gun.The court filing said Johnson walked down the street and told his mother that McEntee “let my brother die” and “needs to see what it feels like to die.” Though she told him, “That's not true,” Johnson returned to the shooting scene and found McEntee alive, on his knees near the patrol car. Johnson shot McEntee in the back and in the head, killing him.Johnson’s lawyers have previously asked the courts to intervene for other reasons, including a history of mental illness and his age — 19 — at the time of the crime. Courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death since the Supreme Court in 2005&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/explore/locked-up-for-life/Roper-v-Simmons">banned the execution</a>&nbsp;of offenders who were younger than 18 at the time of their crime.But a broader focus of appeals has been on alleged racial bias. In October, St. Louis Circuit Judge Mary Elizabeth Ott appointed a special prosecutor to review the case. The special prosecutor, E.E. Keenan, filed a motion earlier this month to vacate the death sentence, stating that race played a “decisive factor” in the death sentence.Ott declined to set aside the death penalty.Keenan told the state Supreme Court that former St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch’s office handled five cases involving the deaths of police officers during his 28 years in office. McCulloch sought the death penalty in the four cases involving Black defendants, but did not seek death in the one case where the defendant was white, the file said.Assistant Attorney General Andrew Crane responded that “a fair jury determined he deserves the death penalty.”McCulloch does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-kansas-city-missouri-american-civil-liberties-union-fb286220ab2c127df3b9f56db67c6d45">Johnson's 19-year-old daughter</a>, Khorry Ramey, had sought to witness the execution, but a state law prohibits anyone under 21 from observing the process. Courts have declined to step in on Ramey's behalf.The U.S. saw 98 executions in 1999 but the number has dropped dramatically in recent years. Missouri already has two scheduled for early 2023. Convicted killer Scott McLaughlin is scheduled to die on Jan. 3, and convicted killer Leonard Taylor’s execution is set for Feb. 7.