Man Executed in Killing of Missouri Deputy

May 12, 2016
The State of Missouri of Wednesday executed Earl Forrest in the killing of Dent County Sheriff's Deputy Joann Barnes and two other people in 2002.

The State of Missouri of Wednesday executed a man convicted of killing of a Dent County deputy and two other people in 2002.

Earl Forrest was put to death in Bonne Terre and was pronounced dead at 7:18 p.m. KOLR-TV.

Forrest had been convicted in the December 2002 murders of Dent County Sheriff's Deputy Joann Barnes, Harriett Smith and Michael Wells.

Forrest shot and killed Barnes when she came to his home after killed Smith and Wells. He also shot his then-girlfriend, along with Dent County Sheriff Bob Wofford. Both survived the shooting.

Governor Nixon denied a request for clemency for Forrest earlier in the day before his execution.

"Earl Forrest callously murdered three people, including a deputy sheriff, over a box of methamphetamine," Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said in a statement. "Missouri’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day. They need to know that we will fight just as hard for justice for them and their families."

Sponsored Recommendations

Build Your Real-Time Crime Center

March 19, 2024
A checklist for success

Whitepaper: A New Paradigm in Digital Investigations

July 28, 2023
Modernize your agency’s approach to get ahead of the digital evidence challenge

A New Paradigm in Digital Investigations

June 6, 2023
Modernize your agency’s approach to get ahead of the digital evidence challenge.

Listen to Real-Time Emergency 911 Calls in the Field

Feb. 8, 2023
Discover advanced technology that allows officers in the field to listen to emergency calls from their vehicles in real time and immediately identify the precise location of the...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Officer, create an account today!