Attorney General's News Release

January 24, 1996

Appeals court denies motion by man convicted of double slaying at Kemper Military Academy

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District yesterday (Jan. 23) upheld a circuit court decision denying a motion by Dante Hayes challenging his conviction for several crimes in connection with two murders and a hostage situation on the grounds of Kemper Military Academy in Boonville on March 1, 1994.

Attorney General Jay Nixon's office argued in support of Hayes' conviction.

Hayes pleaded guilty to and was convicted of two counts of first degree murder, two counts of kidnaping, four counts of armed criminal action and one count of burglary. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Hayes argued in his motion that he was coerced by his attorney into pleading guilty to the charges, but his motion was denied by the Cooper County Circuit Court. In upholding the circuit court decision, the court of appeals found that Hayes' argument of coercion contradicted his own testimony at the guilty plea hearing that no one had promised or threatened anything to make him plead guilty.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818