Missouri Governor Rejects Clemency Request from Convicted Murderer Walter Barton

The governor has rejected a clemency request from a convicted southwest Missouri killer, clearing the way for tonight’s (Tuesday) scheduled execution.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson tells News Talk KZRG he hasn’t seen any reason to intervene in Walter Barton’s scheduled execution. The Governor says  “that will move forward as scheduled.”

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated federal judge Brian Wimes’ stay, in the case. Barton’s attorneys have made two main claims: that he is innocent and is incompetent to be put to death.

Barring intervention from the U-S Supreme Court, Barton will be executed by lethal injection tonight in Bonne Terre.

Barton was convicted of first degree murder for the 1991 killing of 81-year-old Gladys Kuehler in Ozark, MO.