Strickland hearing to be heard by Jackson County Circuit Court judge

A hearing that will determine the future of longtime Missouri inmate Kevin Strickland will be heard by a Jackson County Circuit Court judge.

Judge Kevin Harrell on Friday rejected a motion by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt to recuse himself.

Harrell said an evidentiary hearing where prosecutors will argue that Strickland was wrongfully convicted of a triple murder more than 40 years ago will be scheduled the first week of October.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker has said her office believes Strickland should be exonerated and released from prison.

Schmitt’s office says he believes Strickland is guilty.