Correcting a 'miscarriage of justice': Sentence of former Kansas City detective commuted | Law Enforcement Today

KANSAS CITY, MO - The governor of Missouri has granted a sentence commutation for former Kansas City Police Detective Eric DeValkenaere, who had been serving a six-year sentence for the fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb in December 2019.

A commutation is different than a pardon in that it does not erase the conviction, but instead reduces the sentence. DeValkenaere was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in November 2021 during a bench trial presided over by Judge J. Dale Youngs. The judge ruled that the detective acted unlawfully when he followed his partner into Lamb's backyard without a warrant, probable cause, or consent.

Prosecutors argued that DeValkenaere recklessly fired his weapon, killing Lamb as he backed his truck into his garage. The defense stated that Lamb had pointed a gun at DeValkenaere's partner. DeValkenaere testified in his own defense during the trial and when questioned by the prosecution about his actions that day, he stated that there was no time to act differently. 

Emotional on the stand, he explained that he felt compelled to support his partner, who had moved ahead of him. When he saw a gun, DeValkenaere said he couldn't risk his partner being shot. The judge sided with the prosecution ruling, "The court is further compelled to find beyong a reasonable doubt that when defendant shot and killed Cameron Lamb, number one, defendant was not acting in lawful self-defense. Number two, defendant was not acting in lawful defense of Sgt. Schwalm."

In March 2022, DeValkenaere was sentenced to six years in prison. He filed appeals and remained out on bond. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey recommended overturning the conviction or ordering a new trial in June 2023, citing concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. However, appellate courts upheld the conviction in October 2023 and the Missouri Supreme Court denied the detective's request for a transfer in March 2024.

DeValkenaere's family requested clemency in late 2023. In September 2024, a federal court ruled that his entry onto Lamb's property was unlawful. Fast-forward to December 2024, Missouri Governor Mike Parson granted the sentence commutation. After the commutation was announced, some elected officials shared their statements.

Mayor Quinton Lucas said, "The Mayor continues to pray for all those touched by the tragic events surrounding the death of Cameron Lamb. As Mayor and Kansas City's only selection as commissioner on the state-appointed five member Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, Mayor Lucas remains committed to strengthening the trust between law enforcement and our community."

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker recommended that people ask Parson himself about the decision. She said, "A judge issued a sentence in the case that the judge thought was appropriate, and the governor made a different decision. He has that political power, and he used it. So, I think, maybe those questions should be posed to the governor instead of me."

Others, including Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, expressed their approval of the decision. On X, Missouri FOP wrote, "Missouri has taken a powerful step in standing with law enforcement by correcting a grave injustice. Wrongfully-convicted Kansas City Detective Eric DeValkenaere has finally had his sentence commuted by @GovParsonMO and will be home with his family for Christmas."

Sen. Luetemeyer wrote on X, "The long-overdue commutation of Eric DeValkenaere's sentence corrects part of this miscarriage of justice. No police officer should be in prison for a split-second decision to protect his partner. This was the work of a woke prosecutor. I'm glad Eric is reunited with his family."