Execution of Juvenile Offender Scheduled in Missouri

     Chris Simmons is to be executed in Missouri on May 1.  Simmons, a 17 year-old high school student at the time of the crime, was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and was also found to be suffering from schizotypal disorder, a mental illness.  At trial, Simmons' attorney failed to present evidence of this mental disorder or evidence of Simmons' childhood abuse by his father.  (Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty, Action Alert, 4/13/02)

     Currently, there are 83 juveniles on death row across the U.S., and 2 on death row in Missouri.  Since the death penalty was reinstated, Missouri has executed one juvenile offender.