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Birthdate
On this day, Christopher Simmons was born in Missourri. Retrieved on September 5, 2012 from http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/juvCSimmons.cfm -
Junior Year at High School
This was the start to Christopher Simmons Junior year in high school. It would be the last year of his formal education and would become better friends with Charles Benjamin Retrieved on September 7, 2012 from http://congressionaldigest.com/issue/executing-minors/christopher-simmons/ -
Murder of Shirley Cook
At 2 AM on september 9, 1993, Simmons and two younger juveniles met in order to plan the murder of Shirley Cook. However, one juvenile left, leaving Simmons and Benjamin to break into Shirley's house, binding her hands, feet and mouth. They then proceeded to drive to a park and throw her off the bridge, drowning her. Retrieved on September 5, 2012 from http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/juvCSimmons.cfm -
Arrest
On September 30, 1993, Christopher Simmons was arrested at his high school. He was brought in for questioning and agreed to create a video reenactment of the crime. Retrieved on September 5, 2012 from http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/juvCSimmons.cfm -
18th Birthday
This is Christopher Simmons 18th birthday which officially makes him an adult. However, he was only 17 when he committed the crime so he will be charged as a juvenile. Retrieved on September 7, 2012 from http://congressionaldigest.com/issue/executing-minors/christopher-simmons/ -
Execution Date
The judge ordered the execution of Chrisotpher Simmons, although he was a juvenile at the time of the crime, because he was convicted of 1st degree murder Retrieved on September 7, 2012 from http://congressionaldigest.com/issue/executing-minors/christopher-simmons/ -
Atkins V Virginia
In this ruling, the Supreme Court stated that the death penalty for the "mentally retarded" is unconstitutional and cruel and unusual punishment. This gave grounds for Simmons to appeal to the Supreme Court. Retrieved on September 6, 2012 http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/00-8452.ZS.html -
Oral Arguments in Missouri Supreme Court
This event includes the oral arguments given by both the defense and prosection in the Missouri Supreme Court. This event is critical because it shows how the case was argued and the expected result. Retrieved on September 7, 2012 from http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/juvCSimmons.cfm -
Vacated Death Sentence
At this time, the Missouri Supreme Court vacated Christopher Simmons death sentence in exchange for a life sentence. This was due to the ruling in Atkins V Virginia. Retrieved on September 7, 2012 from http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/juvCSimmons.cfm -
Amicus Curiae
On this date, the Amicus Curiae briefs were filed in Roper v. Simmons case for the United States Supreme Court. Retrieved on September 7, 2012 from http://www.internationaljusticeproject.org/juvCSimmons.cfm -
Supreme Court Trial
On this day, Christopher Simmons believed he had the right to a life sentence because he was a minor when he committed the crime. Therefore the Supreme Court held the trial date to rule about cruel and unusual punishment Retrieved on September 6, 2012 from http://kids.laws.com/roper-v-simmons
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Supreme Court Verdict
In the Supreme Court's ruling, in a 5-4 majority, it was ruled that the death sentence for juveniles under the age of 18 is unconstitutional. This ruling then set the precedent for other cases. Retrieved on September 6, 2012 from http://kids.laws.com/roper-v-simmons
