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Marcus Arbery says, "holding the former prosecutor accountable is no less important than convicting the murderers because elected officials are supposed to serve everyone equally."

At JPLaw, I, John Anthony Picerno, recognize how overwhelming federal criminal charges can feel. As a criminal defense lawyer serving Kansas City, Missouri, and surrounding areas, I’ve seen how federal sentencing guidelines play a critical role in determining the outcome of a case.

Since the investigation’s onset, Picerno has been vocal that Willis knew nothing about the men’s deaths.

"It's an awful thing when people have already presumed you're guilty without real evidence," Picerno said. "It's a tough row to hoe, and he's managing it as best he can."

Newton shot and killed two others and injured in another shooting on June 9, 2023. Newton was driving near East 31st Street and Van Brunt Boulevard when he saw a person on the driver’s side of a truck point a firearm out of the window toward a white van and drove off.

“(Newton) is still employed there, so sadly it’s another example of KCPD failing to impose any type of significant sanctions against their own employees who act outside the law, in our opinion,” Picerno said.

Excessive force in police encounters is a serious and contentious issue. The use of force by law enforcement is meant to be a controlled response to a perceived threat or an attempt to apprehend a suspect.

“I think its important any time a lawsuit is settled with law enforcement. Somebody has to police the police and apparently its not KCPD who is going to police their own employees,” Picerno said.

“My client is still living under a cloud of suspicion,” Picerno said. “The general public believes he is responsible for their deaths, and that’s simply not true. I knew it initially and... I think prosecutors know that as well and so it’s kind of frustrating that they won’t come out publicly and state that.”

At JP Law, I understand how challenging probation can feel for many individuals here in Kansas City, Missouri. As a criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to approach the probation period with a clear strategy and steady focus.