Advocates in Missouri demand justice reform and an end to executions, spotlighting Lance’s case with a bold outdoor protest.
Photos by Phillip Deitch
Lance Shockley is a father, a faith leader, a counselor, and a peacemaker. He is also a man on death row in Missouri’s Potosi Correctional Center (PCC), facing a scheduled execution date of October 14, 2025. Convicted of the first-degree murder of Sergeant Carl Dewayne Graham Jr., Shockley has maintained his innocence from day one, and his case is fraught with issues that cast serious doubt on his guilt.
The murder of Sergeant Graham was a profound tragedy, a devastating loss for his family and the community he served. Lance Shockley expresses deep sympathy for the Graham family’s suffering and prays they find comfort. However, he insists he is not responsible for their loss. His fight for justice now centers on a plea for clemency, backed by significant concerns about his trial, the evidence, and his legal representation.
A Case Built on Circumstantial Evidence
From the outset, the case against Lance Shockley has been circumstantial, a fact conceded by the State itself. There is no physical evidence tying him to the crime scene—no fingerprints, no DNA, no weapon, and no eyewitnesses. The prosecution’s case relied heavily on a foundation of questionable forensic methods and conflicting witness statements.
Key issues that undermine the integrity of the conviction include:
A Problematic Investigation: The investigation into Sergeant Graham’s murder was criticized for its narrow focus on Shockley. Out of 500 investigative leads, 132 identified other potential suspects with both motive and opportunity, yet these leads were reportedly overlooked. Some witnesses have even stated they felt pressured by police to alter their statements to fit a predetermined timeline.
No Physical Evidence: The prosecution’s case hinged on “firearm and tool-mark identification,” a method widely criticized within the scientific community. Even the state’s own firearms examiner later recanted his testimony, yet the defense failed to challenge this flawed forensic evidence with an expert of their own.
Inadequate Legal Representation: Shockley’s defense was severely compromised. His initial public defenders stepped aside after a jail guard claimed to have overheard a confession, disrupting the continuity of his counsel. The private lawyer who took over failed to conduct an independent investigation or hire the necessary experts for a capital case, leaving the defense without the resources to mount a robust challenge. Crucially, no mitigation specialist was hired, meaning the jury knew almost nothing about Shockley’s life before deciding his fate.
Juror Misconduct: During the trial, a juror distributed a fictional book he had written about a character who uses vigilante justice. This material was shared with other jurors, the bailiff, and even reached the judge’s desk. While the juror was eventually removed for the penalty phase, the prejudicial impact on the jury’s perception of the case had already been established.
Unusual Sentencing: The jury could not unanimously agree on a death sentence. In Missouri, unlike most states, this situation allows the judge to make the final decision. The judge sentenced Lance to death, a practice that effectively subverts the jury’s role and the will of the people they represent.
A Leader and Peacemaker in Prison
Despite his circumstances, Lance Shockley has become a pillar of his community within the Potosi Correctional Center. He serves as the President of the Restorative Justice Organization and was hand-picked for the inaugural class of the Inmate Peer Support program, where he counsels other inmates in crisis.
From 2020 to 2024, he acted as the designated Christian Representative for Christians at Potosi, giving sermons and organizing religious events. His commitment to faith and restorative justice has made him a respected leader, trusted by both inmates and prison staff to de-escalate tense situations and serve as a moral example.
The Case for Clemency
The combination of a plausible claim of innocence, serious juror misconduct, and a non-unanimous jury verdict makes Lance Shockley’s case a prime candidate for clemency. The lack of direct evidence, coupled with a compromised investigation and inadequate defense, creates a level of uncertainty that should prevent the state from carrying out an irreversible sentence.
Granting clemency would not only save a potentially innocent man but also honor the jury’s inability to agree on death and align with the Missouri Department of Corrections’ own values of rehabilitation and change. Lance Shockley’s life within prison exemplifies the power of restorative justice. His supporters now ask the Governor to recognize the profound doubts in this case and spare his life.
To support Lance Shockley’s fight for justice, you can sign the clemency petition and learn more about his case at istandwithlance.com.
#StopExecutions #JusticeReform #LetLanceLive
