National Bar Association Statement on Acquittal of Former St.

Louis Police
Officer for Murder of Anthony Lamar Smith

"Anthony Lamar Smith has been denied justice in death, as he was in life," says National Bar
Association (NBA) President Juan R. Thomas.

Washington, DC, September 18, 2017 --(PR.com)-- Former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley has
been acquitted of first-degree murder in the shooting of Anthony Lamar Smith by St. Louis Circuit Judge
Timothy Wilson.

National Bar Association (NBA) President Juan R. Thomas, issued the following statement in response:

We are saddened and appalled that yet another African American, when murdered due to excessive and
deadly force by an officer sworn to uphold the Constitution, has been denied justice in death, as he was in
life.

The bench ruling, as with the act itself, is especially disturbing as we look forward to observing
Constitution Day on Monday as an opportunity to reflect on the signing of this foundational document,
and to remind ourselves and the next generation of the importance of honoring its tenets.

Despite very strong evidence against Stockley, including his admitting to a recorded statement wherein
he announced the intent to kill Smith, and a gun with Stockley's DNA allegedly planted in the car, the
legal system outlined in the Constitution failed to protect, and to vindicate Anthony Lamar Smith.

The NBA calls on the Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Civil Rights to uphold its obligation to
investigate pattern and practice violations, and ensure that no federal funding goes to police departments
that engage in discriminatory policing.

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Contact Information:
National Bar Association (NBA)
Cynthia Swann
240-893-2303
Contact via Email
www.nationalbar.org

Online Version of Press Release:

You can read the online version of this press release at: http://www.pr.com/press-release/730129

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