Casey's Employees Risked Everything as Gunfire Erupted — Inside the Minutes Before Two Missouri Cops Were Shot

A Missouri man who opened fire inside a Casey's convenience store, killing one police officer and wounding another, has been convicted of first-degree murder after jurors heard how store employees spotted warning signs moments before the shooting. The verdict, delivered nearly three years after the 12 March 2023 attack in Hermann, now puts Kenneth Simpson, 38, at risk of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

Simpson was found guilty on Saturday of murdering Officer Mason Griffith, 34, and assaulting Detective Adam Sullentrup, 34, after prosecutors presented surveillance footage, bodycam video and testimony from Casey's employees and customers who were inside the store that night.

Disturbance Call Brings Police to Casey's

The shooting unfolded after Casey's employees contacted police to report an irate customer inside the store. Witnesses said Simpson was visibly agitated and behaving erratically, prompting concern among staff and customers.

According to court documents obtained by KOMU, testimony established that Simpson had multiple outstanding warrants from several Missouri counties at the time. Officers Griffith and Sullentrup, both with the Hermann Police Department, responded to the call and entered the store to speak with him.

'Ready for Battle' Behaviour Raises Red Flags

Several witnesses described Simpson's demeanour as alarming even before police arrived. One customer testified that Simpson appeared 'ready for battle', a phrase that became a focal point during the trial.

As reported by KMIZ, a Casey's employee told jurors that Simpson placed a food order using the name 'Kevin Maxey'. The employee said he recognised Simpson from past drug use and immediately felt uneasy. He testified that he did not trust Simpson and believed his behaviour posed a risk.

Employees Warn Police of Possible Threat

Another witness left the store to alert Detective Sullentrup to Simpson's conduct and to warn that there might be outstanding warrants for his arrest. According to testimony, Sullentrup then contacted Officer Griffith for assistance.

Witnesses said both officers approached Simpson calmly and did not have their weapons raised as they spoke with him near the counter.

Surveillance Captures Sudden Gunfire

Within moments of the conversation beginning, surveillance footage showed Simpson pulling out a handgun and firing multiple shots at close range. The attack happened so quickly that neither officer had time to react.

Both officers were struck before Simpson fled the store. The footage, played repeatedly for jurors, showed the chaos that followed as customers and employees scrambled to help.

Casey's Employees Rush to Aid the Wounded

After the gunman escaped, Casey's employees and a customer rushed to Officer Griffith's side to render aid. Bodycam footage later shown in court captured a cashier running to Detective Sullentrup after he was shot.

Sullentrup was transported to hospital and survived his injuries. Officer Griffith, however, died later that night, sending shock waves through the Hermann community and local law enforcement.

Arrest After Overnight Standoff

Simpson was arrested the following day after a standoff with Missouri State Highway Patrol officers. Prosecutors charged him with first-degree murder and first-degree assault, relying heavily on video evidence and eyewitness accounts.

Verdict and Sentencing Phase Ahead

After hearing days of testimony, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts. The case now moves to a sentencing phase, where Simpson faces either life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.

The trial highlighted the role of Casey's employees who recognised the danger early and attempted to intervene, placing them at the centre of a case that underscored how quickly routine police calls can turn deadly.