Cameron Lamb’s Parents React to Governor-Elect’s Clemency Position

KSHB 41 reporter Charlie Keegan covers politics on both sides of the state line. If you have a story idea to share, you can email Charlie at: [email protected].

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Cameron Lamb’s father wonders why Missouri’s new governor-elect might pardon Lamb’s killer.

In 2021 judge sentenced Eric DeValkenare manslaughter and armed criminal action charges in Lamb’s 2019 death. DeValkenaar was a detective with the Kansas City Police Department at the time of the shooting.

He followed Lamb home after witnessing Lamb chasing another car. He shot and killed Lamb while investigating a pursuit.

The judge ruled that DeValkenaar had no right to be on Lamb’s property at the time of the shooting. The state appeals court upheld the conviction.

DeValkenaar is in prison serving a six-year sentence.

KCPD Detective Eric DeValkenaar — The Kansas City, Missouri, police detective who shot and killed Cameron Lamb on Dec. 3, 2019, Eric DeValkenaere, took the stand in his own defense Wednesday in Jackson County District Court.

On Wednesday, Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe said he is friends with DeValkenare’s wife.

“I met Sarah and Eric before he went to prison – and I would say that is wrong,” Kehoe said at a news conference. “I think we need to get Eric back. I have been very vocal that if I succeed in running for governor, Eric DeValkenaar will be home with his family. “I’m still hoping and praying for what will happen before I get into the governor’s office.”

Mike Kehoe.jpg — Missouri Governor-elect Mike Kehoe

Current Gov. Mike Parson said he has not yet decided whether to grant DeValkenaar a pardon before he leaves office in January.

“We used to say what they were doing was a slap in the face, but with this situation they’ve delivered a double punch to the gut,” said Lamb’s father, Aquil Bey.

He believes that the courts follow the law and does not believe that a person should get out of prison because he is friends with the governor, who has the power to pardon him.

Lamb’s mother, Laurie Bay, plans to spend Christmas at her son’s grave.

“With all the rumors going around right now, he (DeValkenaar) will be able to come right before the holidays and spend time with his family and break bread with them. It’s difficult because we can’t do the same,” she said.

DeValkenar’s wife, Sarah, posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday I applaud Kehoe. “That, my friends, is why I told you to vote for Mike Kehoe! He is strong and brave and will stand up for what is right,” she wrote.

Kehoe will take office on January 13, 2025.

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