On Friday, Governor Mike Parson of Missouri made the decision to commute the prison sentence of former Kansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaere. This marks a historic event as DeValkenaere is the first Kansas City officer to be convicted of killing a Black man. DeValkenaere, who is white, was found guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action for the 2019 murder of Cameron Lamb. Lamb, a 26-year-old Black man and father of three, tragically lost his life in this incident.
Both Parson and Governor-elect Mike Kehoe have publicly shown their concern and expressed a desire to pardon DeValkenaere. This newspaper had predicted that DeValkenaere would be pardoned shortly before Christmas. However, Parson, who considers himself “an ally of law enforcement,” decided to place the former officer on parole instead. The conditions of the parole will be determined by the Parole Board.
According to Gwendolyn Grant, the president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, Parson’s decision to grant clemency will not only tarnish his legacy but also further divide and anger the public.
In response to the decision, she expressed her strong disapproval, describing it as a blatant endorsement of systemic racism and a betrayal of justice. She firmly believes that by releasing a convicted officer who unlawfully took the life of Cameron Lamb, a young Black man, the governor has sent a clear message that Black lives do not hold value in Missouri under his leadership.
Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III, the senior pastor at St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, strongly criticized Parson’s decision, calling it “perverted justice.”
According to Cleaver, the governor’s choice to release DeValkenaere will further exacerbate the longstanding divide between law enforcement and the Black community. Cleaver argues that this decision sends a message that it is acceptable to take a Black life without consequence. He believes that this decision shows a complete disregard and disrespect for the family of Cameron Lamb.
Governor Parson’s spokesman, Johnathan Shiflett, stated in an email that “In Missouri, the Governor holds the sole authority to grant clemency. After thoughtful deliberation, Governor Parson has decided to exercise his constitutional powers by addressing several pending clemency petitions.”
Since assuming the governorship in 2018 following Eric Greitens’ resignation, Parson has become the most lenient Missouri governor in decades. With over 800 people receiving pardons or commuted sentences since June 2018, he has focused on individuals convicted of non-violent offenses such as drug-related crimes or theft. However, it’s important to note that Parson has also declined over 3,000 clemency petitions during his time as governor.
Rev. Darryl Gray, senior pastor of the Greater Fairfax Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis and the director general for the social justice commission of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, strongly criticized the commutation of DeValkenaere’s sentence, calling it “unconscionable” and “a travesty.” Gray emphasized his disappointment, stating,
“This decision was made with the intention of sending a powerful and unequivocal message that in the state of Missouri, Black lives hold no value.”
Sylvester Brown Jr. holds the esteemed position of Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
