Attorney General's News Release

March 11, 2002

State Supreme Court sets April 10 execution date for man who murdered neighbor in her rural Pike County home

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court today set an execution date of April 10 for Paul Kreutzer, convicted of the beating and strangulation death of his neighbor, Louise Hemphill, in her rural Pike County home near Louisiana on Sept. 2, 1992. Mrs. Hemphill was 36 at the time she was murdered.

Kreutzer (DOB - 2/22/72) was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in March 1994 in Callaway County, where the case was heard on a change of venue. Mrs. Hemphill's billfold was found in Kreutzer's car, and bloodstained gloves and clothing were found in the car and in Kreutzer's motel room.

The United States Supreme Court last year declined to hear Kreutzer's case. The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon opposed appeals filed by Kreutzer in state and federal court.

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