Update to July 3, 2023 New Release:
On September 8, 2023, after hearing evidence and arguments from both the State and the defense, Jackson County Judge Marco Roldan sentenced Ian McCarthy to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the shooting death of Clinton Police Officer Gary Michael.
Henry County Prosecuting Attorney LaChrisha Gray and Assistant Attorney General Kevin Zoellner represented the State of Missouri throughout the trial and in pursuit of the death penalty. Because the death-qualified jury could not reach a unanimous decision whether to sentence McCarthy to death or to life without the possibility of parole, the decision, by law, rested with the judge alone. Missouri’s law regarding this procedure, while rare across the nation, has been upheld by the courts. Ultimately, the judge concluded that he would not sentence the defendant to death.
Henry County Prosecuting Attorney LaChrisha Gray stated, “The actions of the defendant on August 6, 2017 took an honorable and respected officer and the feeling of safety in our community. What can never be taken away, however, is our resolve. The Henry County community proved that even when hurt or broken, our fight for justice and the protection of others will never waiver. It was shown in the way local businesses and people came forward to assist in the investigation, and through the decision of other officers to return to our community to serve. It was also shown by all those that endured a grueling six years long court process with steadfastness and dignity. Officer Gary Michael’s legacy will live on because of that resolve. He will forever be a part of this community.”
Original News Release from July 3, 2023:
Ian McCarthy, 45, has been found guilty of murder in the first degree for the 2017 shooting death of Clinton Police Officer Gary Lee Michael, Jr.
Henry County Prosecuting Attorney LaChrisha Gray and Assistant Attorney General Kevin Zoellner represented the State of Missouri in the nearly month long jury trial, in which the State sought the death penalty.
Evidence at trial indicated that on August 6, 2017, Officer Michael made a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by McCarthy on Green Street in Clinton, in front of the Henry County Library. McCarthy exited his vehicle and shot Officer Gary Michael with a high-powered rifle. The defendant fled the scene. A two-day manhunt ensued, requiring the assistance of a multitude of law enforcement agencies including the Missouri State Highway Patrol. McCarthy was ultimately located about 15 miles outside of Clinton in rural Henry County.
After several lengthy continuances and a change of venue, trial began on June 5, 2023. A jury was selected on June 16, 2023 from Platte County. Opening statements began on June 20 in Jackson County Circuit Court. Evidence was presented to the jury for the following five days, including Saturday.
On June 26, 2023, after deliberating for less than two hours, the jury rendered a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree. On June 27, 2023, the trial continued to the penalty phase. Closing arguments regarding penalty were given June 30.
After ten hours of deliberation, the jury, on Saturday, July 1, indicated to the court that it could not reach a unanimous decision regarding the sentence. The jury did unanimously find, however, that a sentence of death could be appropriate. Because of that, the court will decide the defendant’s sentence. The sentencing hearing is set for September 8, 2023 at 1:30 pm in front of Judge Marco Roldan.
