UNION — Another step aimed at ensuring courtroom order has been taken by the judge presiding over the upcoming capital murder trial of a Warren County man charged with killing one Hermann policeman and wounding of another two years ago during a confrontation in a Hermann convenience store.

20th Circuit Court Presiding Judge Craig E. Hellmann on Thursday, Dec. 4, issued the first amended Decorum Order for the trial of Kenneth Lee Simpson, who faces trial in February for the March 2023 death of Hermann Det. Sgt. Mason Griffith and the wounding of Hermann Patrolman Adam Sullentrup. The trial, set in Franklin County Circuit Court on a change of venue from Gasconade County, is scheduled to begin Jan. 20 and continue into February.

Jury selection for the trial is set to begin in early January in Greene County, which is expected to summon 1,000 residents from the Springfield area for the pool from which 12 jurors and six alternates will be selected. Two weeks have been set aside for the jury selection process.

The case is being prosecuted by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Simpson is being defended by the Missouri Public Defender’s Office.

The judge’s initial Decorum Order was issued Sept. 29 and set out the ground rules for the orderly conduct of the proceeding, aimed at ensuring a fair trial for the defendant and access to the public. It covered a variety of items from seating arrangements to unacceptable clothing apparel for members of the audience.

The judge’s amended order in its entirety:

“On the Court’s own motion, and pursuant to the Court’s inherent authority to maintain  order, decorum, and the integrity of judicial proceedings, the Court hereby issues the following First Amended Decorum Order.

In addition to the prohibitions set-out in this Court’s Decorum Order of September 29,  2025, the Court Orders the following:

1. PROHIBITED DEVICES.

The following devices are strictly prohibited from being brought into or used within  the courtroom, jury rooms, and any adjoining areas designated for courtroom proceedings:

a. Smart watches (including, but not limited to, Apple Watch, Samsung  Galaxy Watch, and similar devices);

b. Smart glasses or wearable augmented-reality devices (including, but not  limited to, Google Glass, Meta/Ray-Ban smart glasses, or comparable devices);  and,

c. Any device capable of recording, transmitting, or live-streaming audio,  video, still images, or text, regardless of form or brand.

2. SURRENDER OF DEVICE.

Any person entering the courtroom who possesses a prohibited device must: a. Surrender the device to courthouse security.

Devices may be returned upon the individual’s departure, subject to security  protocols.

3. EXCEPTIONS.

Exceptions may be granted only upon express written authorization of the Court. Authorized individuals must ensure that any permitted device is set to airplane mode, disabled from recording, and used solely for court-approved purposes.

4. ENFORCEMENT.

Court security personnel are directed to enforce this Order. Any person who  violates this Order may be:

a. Removed from the courtroom;

b. Subject to confiscation of the device during proceedings;

c. Held in contempt of court; and,

d. Subject to any other sanctions the Court deems appropriate.

5. PURPOSE.

This Order is issued to protect the confidentiality of proceedings and Defendant’s right to a fair and impartial trial, safeguard jurors and witnesses, preserve the dignity and integrity of the judicial process, and prevent unauthorized recording or dissemination of courtroom activities.”