Missouri appeals court upholds conviction of white KC cop in killing of Black man

A three-judge panel at the Missouri Court of Appeals has ruled that a former Kansas City police detective will have to serve a six-year prison sentence after being convicted in the shooting death of a Black man.

Eric DeValkenaere, who is white, was convicted in 2021 of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb in November 2019. DeValkenaere was found guilty at trial before a Jackson County judge.

He was sentenced to six years in prison but remained free on bond while his criminal appeal worked through the courts.

The first Kansas City police officer to be convicted in the death of a Black man, DeValkenaere had asked judges at the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, in downtown Kansas City, to overturn his convictions or grant him a new trial.

In a 42-page ruling, Judge Thomas N. Chapman said it was the court’s unanimous opinion that, “DeValkenaere has failed to establish error with respect to his conviction for involuntary manslaughter, his arguments regarding his armed criminal action conviction also fail.”

Arrest warrant issued for Eric DeValkenaere

In early September, the judges heard arguments in the case. Jackson County prosecutors were allowed to defend the manslaughter conviction during the hearing.

In court filings, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, whose office is tasked with arguing on behalf of the state, instead contended the conviction should be overturned.

As of Tuesday morning, court records showed DeValkenaere’s bond has been revoked and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

DeValkenaere ruling by Ian Cummings on Scribd

“Today’s decision validates the work of our citizens who served on those grand juries, our Circuit Court judges and our trial team. This is validation of the rule of law and it is a victory for the truth,” Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a statement.

“In courtrooms, politics and false narratives cannot prevail against evidence and facts,” Baker said. “It is this part of the criminal justice system that makes our system better than any in the world.

“This case marks a terrible tragedy in our community. But today’s ruling is an opportunity for reflection and a new path forward.”

Baker said her office has reached out to Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves to discuss ways to improve relations between the community and law enforcement.

In an email statement to The Star, Kansas City Police Department said, “there are still legal proceedings underway as appeals are still available. We respect the legal process and the court’s decision.”

Black Kansas City leaders respond to decision

Black community leaders in Kansas City welcomed the news that the conviction was upheld and expressed hope that Missouri Gov. Mike Parson would not pardon DeValkenaere.

Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, called the ruling “a landmark decision.”

“I’m elated that the Appellate Court upheld the verdict, affirmed the rule of law and revoked DeValkenare’s bail. Perhaps, now justice will be served. I hope Governor Parson does not defy the court by issuing a pardon. If he does, civic, business, philanthropic and community leaders should hold him and his political allies in the Missouri legislature accountable.

“A pardon for DeValkenare, who has not served a day in jail for his crime, will signal the governor’s blatant disregard for justice and the letter of the law, and a callous disrespect for the humanity of Cameron Lamb and every other Black victim of police brutality and deadly force,” Grant said.

Sheryl Ferguson, and organizer with the activist group It’s Time 4 Justice, said “the next prayer is just that the governor does not intervene.”

“I’m glad they upheld the conviction. This needs to be a strong lesson for those that are still in law enforcement that are still brutalizing people.”

Parson has said he has the power to pardon DeValkenaere even if he does not apply for clemency.

On Tuesday, Parson’s office issued a statement saying Parson was aware of the court’s decision and was assessing the situation.

“Governor Parson will give the same thorough review to Mr. DeValkenaere’s case that he gives to all others that come across his desk. No decision regarding a pardon has been made at this time,” said Parson’s spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett.

Madeline Sieren, a spokesperson for Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said in an email to The Star, “We are reviewing the Court’s opinion.”

Steve Young, co-founder of the Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project, thanked the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for taking on the case against DeValkenaere.

“When one of the most conservative appellate court panels upholds the conviction of a police officer despite the unethical, even unlawful interference of the Missouri Attorney General, a clear message has been sent; Eric DeValkenaere is guilty of the homicide of Cameron Lamb,” Young said.

“We eagerly await for the moment DeValkenaere is taken into custody and treated like any other convicted felon in Jackson County.”

The Star’s Kacen Bayless contributed.