Prisoner’s daughter barred from watching his execution

A federal judge prevented Khorra Ramey (left) from being at her father Kevin Johnson’s side when he is executed (Picture: ACLU)

An inmate’s daughter will not be allowed to watch his execution this evening, a federal judge has ruled.

Kevin Johnson, 37, is scheduled to be executed tonight at a state prison in Bonne Terre for the murder of a police officer in 2005.

Johnson asked that his 19-year-old daughter, Khorra Ramey, be at his side when he receives the lethal injection. However, Missouri law currently prevents people under the age of 21 from witnessing executions.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed an emergency motion on Ramey’s behalf, who wanted to honor the wishes of her father.

Khorra Ramey built a relationship with her father while he was in prison (Picture: AFP)

Ramey was only 2-years-old when her father was convicted for murder. He built a relationship with her through personal visits, letters, and emails.

‘The violent murder of any citizen, let alone a Missouri law enforcement officer, should be met only with the fullest punishment state law allows,’ Ramey told the court.

However, a federal judge denied Ramey’s request on Friday.

In a written exchange with reporters from the Kansas City Star, Johnson expressed remorse for his crimes and sadness over leaving his daughter and newborn grandson.

Kevin Johnson was convicted in 2005 for the murder of a Kirkwood, Missouri police officer (Picture: Missouri Department of Corrections)

‘She means the world to me and I hate not being there for her,’ he said.

Ramey said she was ‘heartbroken’ by the news, and added that she was praying Missouri Governor Mike Parson would grant him clemency.

Johnson’s lawyers filed appeals to both the Missouri Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court asking for a stay in execution. They argued that Johnson was only 19 when he murdered Officer William McEntee, and Missouri has since passed a law barring teenage offenders from receiving the death penalty. Both courts denied the appeals.

Missouri Governor Parson has also indicated he intends for the execution to go forward.

‘The violent murder of any citizen, let alone a Missouri law enforcement officer, should be met only with the fullest punishment state law allows,’ Missouri Parson stated.

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