Gov. Nixon Denies Clemency Petition of Russell Bucklew

Press Release

The Governor's Office today released the following statement from Gov. Jay Nixon regarding his decision on the petition for clemency from Russell Bucklew:

After a comprehensive review by my office of the request for clemency from convicted murderer Russell Bucklew, and after a final briefing from my counsel, I have denied this petition. Clemency is a process and a power of the Governor I do not take lightly. Each request is considered and decided on its own merit and set of facts.

Russell Bucklew came to the home of Michael Sanders armed and with the intent to murder him. After storming into the home and fatally shooting Mr. Sanders, Bucklew fired a shot at Sanders' six-year-old son, but missed. Bucklew then continued on a rampage of violence, including the armed kidnapping and rape of his former girlfriend and a shootout with the Missouri State Highway Patrol that left a trooper wounded. The jury in this case properly found that these heinous crimes warranted the death penalty, and my denial of clemency upholds the jury's decision.

I ask that the people of Missouri remember Michael Sanders and keep his family, as well as the other victims of Russell Bucklew's crimes, in their thoughts and prayers.

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