JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – House Speaker Dean Plocher issued the following statement calling for the immediate resignation of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner:
“The recent events concerning Janae Edmondson illustrate the risk people from my community, this state and those traveling to St. Louis from anywhere in the country face. Today I call for Kim Gardner’s immediate resignation. For far too long her dereliction of duty has resulted in horrible tragedies and a growing list of innocent victims who have seen their lives devastated. Rather than accept responsibility for her actions, she has deflected warranted criticism and refused help from state resources. Her willful neglect of duty has effectively resulted in her abdicating the duties of her office.”
“This must end immediately. I stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who are outraged at her inactions and recognize the safety of our communities must come first. I will continue to advocate for the Senate to pass HB301 to bring accountability, restore integrity, preserve the rule of law, and deliver justice to victims, including Janae Edmondson and her family.”