According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley was found not guilty of the murder of Anthony Lamar Smith. Smith was shot five times by Stockley in December of 2011 following a police chase.

Due to the verdict, all KSD after school activities for Sept. 15 have been canceled to ensure students’ safety. Additionally, the Voluntary Transfer Student (VTS) program buses arrived at 2:10 p.m. to provide early transportation for the commuters. Further information regarding rescheduling of Kirkwood events for the upcoming weekend to come.

The following email was sent out by the Michele Condon, interim superintendent, to all KSD Families:

Dear KSD Families,

While the Stockley verdict announcement has not impacted the safety of our school day – out of respect to our families and community, we are canceling all after school and athletic activities for today, Friday, September 15.

Our principals are encouraging students to go home after school. Adventure club will remain open until the regular closing time today; however, adventure club parents are encouraged to pick up their child as early as possible.

Sincerely,

Michele Condon
Interim Superintendent

Stockley has denied any murder charge claiming he fired “in self defense,” according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. St. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson announced the verdict early Friday morning. Community activists and clergy members have been preparing action if the verdict would be announced not guilty. According to Fox Rev. Clinton Stancil, leader of the St. Louis Clergy, has promised a “non-destructive” but “disruptive” response. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens has activated the Mo. National Guard and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has placed officers on 12-hour shifts earlier in the week in anticipation of the verdict, according to Newsweek.