The family of a police officer who was killed by a repeat criminal in Missouri found itself at the center of a contentious GOP primary in the state.
The two Republican candidates for state attorney general – current AG Andrew Bailey and Trump attorney Will Scharf – are running on very similar platforms.
They also both received strong endorsements from former President Donald Trump, in a unique feat.
Despite almost no daylight policy-wise between Scharf and Bailey, the race has become so intense that it is now one of the most expensive down-ballot races in the country at nearly $20 million.
Bailey’s record on crime is in the spotlight in a new ad and mailers being funded by a political action committee supporting Scharf.
It blames Bailey for the death of police officer Mason Griffith, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in March 2023 at age 34.
Now, the widow of the slain cop is demanding that her late husband be left out of the contentious campaign as she raises two young sons.
The widow of a slain cop in Missouri is demanding those backing Trump attorney Will Scharf, who is running for attorney general, stop throwing her late husband into the middle of his campaign
Jennifer Griffith says the ads have sent her family spiraling once again and is demanding they cease.
‘They’re hitting this pretty hard,’ Griffith told DailyMail.com, adding that she’s received three mail ads, countless phone calls, surveys and text messages with videos exploiting her husband’s death.
‘I have to explain to my son every time he sees a commercial on TV why Kenneth Simpson’s face is on TV,’ she added, referring to her husband’s alleged killer.
Alleged cop killer Kenneth Simpson had a long history of run-ins with the police beginning in 2004. He spent the next decade in and out or prison, according to court records.
The ad primarily hits Bailey for his time as assistant prosecutor in Warren County in 2017 when he handled multiple cases involving Simpson.
Simpson was arrested, charged and released on bond multiple times in the fall of 2017 for allegedly punching his father in the face and possessing brass knuckles, two misdemeanors.
He ended up spending 10 days in jail for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia under Bailey’s prosecution.
The pro-Scharf PAC’s attack ads and mailers go on the offense against Bailey, saying Simpson’s short sentences allowed him to commit more crimes.
‘As a prosecutor, Bailey went easy on a violent career felon who once shot up a cop car,’ the contentious ad states.
‘Bailey knew that, and yet charged him with mere misdemeanors after he struck again, out within months,’ the ad went on.
After his arrest for shooting Griffith, Simpson told police he was on the run for several warrants. He told them he believed he was going to die and decided to commit ‘suicide by cop.’
He is accused of killing police officer Mason Griffith and wounding officer Adam Sullentrup.
Police said Simpson had six felony warrants out of Warren County and one misdemeanor warrant from Franklin County.
Bailey’s team is accusing the pro-Scharf PAC of ‘exploiting’ the tragedy during the campaign.
Scharf, as a candidate, is prohibited from coordinating with PACs like Defend Missouri on messaging or strategy.
Sgt. Mason Griffith is survived by a wife and two young sons, above
Tribute to Griffith
‘Will Scharf and his supporters at Defend Missouri PAC are exploiting this tragic death to spread lies, Bailey campaign spokesperson James Lawson told DailyMail.com.
‘Their deceitful ads not only disrespect Mason’s memory but also jeopardize the prosecution of his killer.’
Now, calls for the ad to be taken off the air have grown so loud that even the state’s governor, Republican Michael Parson and the state’s fraternal order of police have joined in.
‘Sergeant Mason Griffith’s wife, children and mother have had to witness live-action footage from the most terrible day of their lives play over and over again in a political television advertisement,’ Parson wrote on official state letterhead to Defend Missouri PAC.
‘I call on the Defend Missouri PAC to remove the footage of this tragic event. NO family should be forced to be revictimized by the sensationalism of the man charged with shooting their loved one.’
Jennifer Griffith, meanwhile, is asking for an apology and for the onslaught of ads to stop. She said she’s reached out to Scharf’s campaign and the PAC and has not gotten a response.
After Simpson’s 2023 arrest, his neighbors told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch they were completely unsurprised to find out he’d been involved in the shooting. One said: ‘He’s always had problems. That officer should not be dead.’
Angela Koepke, Jennifer Griffith’s mother, has been leading the charge to have the ads taken down by contacting the campaigns, writing op-eds and letters to the editor across the state. She said she even plans to contact Trump’s campaign since he endorsed Scharf.
Scharf said the ads were not his doing, but stood by the sentiment expressed in them.
The ad was launched by a group that supports Bailey’s opponent, Will Scharf
Ad accuses AG Andrew Bailey of being too lenient on a cop killer
‘My campaign has no control over these independent ads,’ Scarf told DailyMail.com.
‘Mason Griffith’s death was a terrible tragedy, and my heart goes out to all of those who knew and loved Mason Griffith. When prosecutors don’t do their job and lock up violent repeat offenders, tragic consequences ensue.’
‘Missourians who care about law and order should be deeply concerned that Andrew Bailey has a history of treating violent criminals with kid gloves.
But Koepke argues Scharf could distance himself from the ads in public statements.
‘His willingness to use a fallen officer and grieving family as political pawns is a testament to his character,’ Koepke said in one letter. ‘We urge voters to reject Scharf’s tactics and honor Mason’s legacy by supporting those who respect the rule of law and the sacrifices of law enforcement.’
