Jefferson City, Missouri – Missouri is set to proceed with its second execution of the year on Tuesday after Governor Mike Parson rejected a plea for clemency from inmate David Hosier.
Hosier, aged 69, has consistently claimed innocence in the double murder case that led to his death sentence. Despite multiple previous appeals, including a rejection by the Missouri Supreme Court five years ago, the final decision on commuting Hosier’s sentence or halting his execution lies with the governor. In recent days, some legislators have called on Parson to grant clemency and spare Hosier’s life.
According to court documents, Hosier was convicted of capital murder in 2009 for the deaths of Angela Gilpin and Rodney Gilpin in their Jefferson City home. Governor Parson, who has overseen 10 executions during his term, stated that Hosier killed the couple out of jealousy, echoing the prosecution’s argument in his criminal trial.
Prior to the Gilpins’ case, Hosier had a criminal record and was in possession of firearms. Court documents revealed that Angela Gilpin had taken steps to protect herself from Hosier, fearing for her safety and that of her husband. Hosier’s defense attorneys have consistently maintained that there was no physical evidence linking him to the murders.
Despite efforts by Hosier’s defense team to appeal the death sentence on the basis of lack of forensic evidence, the plea for clemency centered primarily on Hosier’s personal life. His attorneys highlighted a stroke he suffered in 2007, resulting in lasting brain damage, as well as the traumatic event of his father’s murder in 1971, which they argued impacted his mental health in later years.
U.S. Representatives Cori Bush and Emmanuel Cleaver advocated for Hosier’s clemency, citing his medical conditions, mental illness, and potential violations of his Sixth Amendment rights during the criminal trial. Hosier expressed dissatisfaction with his current defense team’s focus on his childhood trauma rather than on the lack of evidence tying him to the murders.
As Missouri prepares for the scheduled execution, Hosier’s case continues to draw attention due to the contentious circumstances surrounding the murders and the ongoing debate on the justice system’s handling of capital punishment.