The Missouri Attorney General’s Office, led by Andrew Bailey, successfully defended the convictions of Calvin Pittman in the Eastern District Court of Appeals. Pittman was convicted on one count of voluntary manslaughter, two counts of armed criminal action, and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. The appeals court affirmed the circuit court’s judgment and dismissed Pittman’s claims regarding the prosecutor’s closing argument.
Attorney General Bailey emphasized the importance of enforcing laws to protect Missouri residents. “As Attorney General, I will enforce the laws to protect Missourians, which includes fighting to uphold the convictions of dangerous criminals,” Bailey stated. “Safer streets lead to prosperous communities. I am proud of the work my Criminal Appeals Unit put into this case to obtain justice for the victim.”
Pittman was identified through surveillance videos and arrested four days after a 2020 road rage incident where the victim, in a different vehicle, was shot in the forehead and killed. Pittman fled the scene without calling 911 or reporting the incident.
The Court of Appeals ruled against Pittman’s argument that the prosecutor’s closing statements had improperly shifted the burden of proof. As a result, Pittman’s convictions and sentences, totaling thirty-one years’ imprisonment, were upheld.
For further details, the Court’s opinion can be read here.
