From the age of nine Stacey Ann Lannert suffered sexual abuse from her own father.
Despite the awareness of family members, the babysitter, friends, school officials and a psychiatrist, nothing was done to protect her.
Now, for over fifteen years Stacey Lannert has been in prison in the State of Missouri for killing her sexually abusive father.
Members of the jury, the sitting trial judge, the United States Court of Appeals in addition to many psychological and rape victim experts all agree, considering the circumstances Stacey's sentence is too harsh, however Missouri law fails to provide for leniency.
After exhausting all legal avenues Stacey's only hope of freedom rests with the Governor of Missouri considering clemency. Since 1998, the application remains pending decision.
The State of Missouri and it's archaic laws in consideration of abuse victims disagrees.
In 1992, the time of Stacey's trial, Missouri law did not permit the jury to take into consideration that Stacey was abused since childhood. If Stacey was tried today, at a time when society is aware to the extent of both physical and sexual abuse within a family home, most feel the outcome would have been much different and she would possibly be free today.
Please review our site and learn more about Stacey and what you can do to help.
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| Expert Opinions |
Public opinion will vary concerning Stacey's actions.
The following are opinions expressed by respected members of the community privy to all aspects and transcripts of Stacey's case. |
The "absence of aggression or provocation on the part of the defender" element of the Missouri self-defense statute does not articulate a time frame during which the initial act of aggression and the act of self-defense must occur. It is therefore deeply troubling that the jury was not completely informed of the scope of the abuse Lannert suffered, her fear, or her rage that her sister may also have been victimized by their father. This evidence of battered spouse syndrome might have placed Lannert's actions in proper context, and may have allowed a jury to conclude that Lannert was not the initial aggressor on the night of her father's death, potentially resulting in a very different outcome than what she faces today.
United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit |
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| From Stacey |
I am doing well, eager yet patient for an answer, praying for it to be positive.
I am training two black labradors: Lucy and Bodie. Both are happy, hungry and a joy to work with and to love.
I am thinking positive thoughts and thankful for everyone's support and prayers. I thank you all for your letters both to me and the Governor. I am also overwhelmed by the staggering amount of compassion and support I have received.
I would like to thank everyone for their concern and kindness.
Stacey |
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