Kevin Johnson

The Rev. Darryl Gray has seen Missouri’s death penalty firsthand. He prays for its abolition.

Prosecutor Bob McCulloch was in Bonne Terre to witness the execution.

A special prosecutor appointed by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which secured Johnson’s conviction, concluded that “racist prosecution techniques infected Mr. Johnson’s conviction and death sentence.” The Missouri Supreme Court on Monday denied motions to halt his execution, which is scheduled for Tuesday.

All-white juries continue to sentence Black defendants to death — because the legal system allows it.

Kevin Johnson killed a Kirkwood cop. After 17 years grappling with his guilt, his only hope is a last-minute reprieve.