The Truth Was Known Years Ago: Missouri Prosecutors Now Want Black Man They Wrongfully Convicted Over 40 Years Ago to be Released Immediately Jackson County’s prosecutors say a Black Missouri man who has served more than 40 years in prison for a triple murder should be released because the evidence used to convict him wasn’t conclusive, The Kansas City Star reported. Following a lengthy review of his case, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has determined that Kevin Strickland is innocent in the 1978 killings. Jean Peters Baker, a Jackson prosecutor, released a statement on Monday, May 10, stating, “All those who have reviewed the evidence in recent months agree—Kevin Strickland deserves to be exonerated.” He added, “This is a profound error we must correct now.”