Missouri Attorney General wins appeal in Calvin Pittman conviction case

The Missouri Attorney General's Office, led by Andrew Bailey, successfully defended Calvin Pittman's convictions in the Eastern District Court of Appeals. Pittman was found guilty of one count of manslaughter, two counts of armed criminal action, and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. The Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's verdict and rejected Pittman's objections to the prosecutor's closing argument.

Attorney General Bailey stressed the importance of enforcing laws that protect Missourians. “As Attorney General, I will enforce laws that protect Missourians, which includes fighting to uphold the convictions of dangerous criminals,” Bailey said. “Safer streets lead to prosperous communities. I am proud of the work my Appellate Division did in this case to obtain justice for the victim.”

Pittman was identified through surveillance video and arrested four days after a 2020 road rage incident in which the victim in another vehicle was shot in the forehead and killed. Pittman fled the scene without calling 911 or reporting the incident.

The appeals court rejected Pittman's argument that the prosecution improperly shifted the burden of proof in its closing argument. As a result, Pittman's convictions and sentences, totaling 31 years in prison, were affirmed.

You can read further details in the court’s statement here.

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