Why are more MO prisoners dying this year?

Morning RushGood morning, Kansas City.Today is Tuesday, Oct. 25th.Here’s everything you should know before the morning rush. Expect a cool, cloudy day with a high of 56.THE BIG PICTURE So far this year, 107 prisoners have died in Missouri prisons — a 25% increase over last year. The Star’s Katie Moore took a closer look to see what’s behind this spike in deaths. The top prosecutor in Jackson County has received numerous threats after announcing the woman who killed an off-duty Kansas City firefighter would not be charged due to Missouri’s “stand your ground” law. The KC Current are headed to the championship game after shutting out Seattle’s OL Reign last Sunday night, 2-0. And it was all set up by a decision made by coach Matt Porter just before the match started. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW The Missouri Department of Corrections has seen a 25% increase in prisoner deaths this year, including the death last Monday of a Kansas City father of two teenage children, my colleague Katie reports.Antonio C. Jackson, 38, was found unresponsive Oct. 17 at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center. His brother Rosco Robinson said he was told Jackson died of a drug overdose, but an autopsy is pending.The 38 year old was one of three people to die at the prison in Bonne Terre in eight days, according to corrections data. And as of Oct. 17, 107 prisoners have died in Missouri prisons, a 25% increase compared to the same time last year.It’s also more than the total number of annual deaths in 2018, 2019 and 2021.In 2020, amid major COVID outbreaks, a total of 129 people died. This year is on pace to exceed 2020’s rate. PROSECUTOR THREATENED FOR NOT PRESSING CHARGES IN FIREFIGHTER DEATH Jean Peters Baker, Jackson County’s top prosecutor, has received numerous threats after announcing a woman who shot and killed an off-duty Kansas City firefighter would not be charged due to Missouri’s “stand your ground” law.On Oct. 6, 41-year-old Anthony Santi was shot in the back by a woman as he held a man in a headlock outside a gas station, court records show. The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office later said it would not pursue criminal charges against the shooter because of Missouri’s laws governing defense of oneself or another person.The prosecutor and other employees began receiving numerous threatening, racist and sexist calls and voicemails Monday, the office said in a news release.The prosecutor’s office shared one of the voicemails — which included racist and sexist slurs — directed at Peters Baker with my colleague Anna.THE STAR’S PICKS Former KCK police detective Roger Golubski denied his involvement in the case of two men in prison who claim they were innocent. Golubski has long been accused of corruption and was indicted on federal charges of sexual assault and kidnapping last month. A dry spring and summer has left the area parched, creating conditions for hot weather, grass fires and other challenges. Here’s what to know about the “extreme drought conditions” in Kansas City. Actor Leslie Jordan, 67, died yesterday in a car crash in LA, as several media outlets have reported. Here’s what we know so far. Derek Schmidt, the GOP nominee for Kansas governor, pointed to declining test scores in the state as an indictment on Gov. Laura Kelly. But Kelly’s office responded by noting that Kansas is in line with drops nationwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meet Aidan, the newest long-necked addition to the Kansas City Zoo. Outside of the Chiefs, who head into their bye week atop the division at 5-2, the rest of the AFC West is in shambles. Here’s a look at the remaining schedules for each team — and if any will challenge the Chiefs for the division crown .Irvin Zhang Newsletter Writer LOOKING FOR MORE?Check out today’s eEdition.Stay up-to-date on all things Chiefs by subscribing to the Chiefs Extra newsletter, where twice a week, I’ll be in your inbox with exclusive insights and analysis.Check out our new Guide to the City of Fountains, packed with local tips to help you live your best life in KC. You can sign up for the newsletter here.Support our local journalists with a subscription.Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow.

MISSOURIMissouri prisoner deaths have spiked in 2022. Kansas City man was one of the most recentSo far this year, 107 prisoners have died in Missouri prisons, a 25% increase over last year. Antonio Jackson died last Monday. His brother wants to see the corrections department held accountable.

NEWSThreats sent to prosecutor who decided against charges in shooting of KC firefighterIn one violent voicemail, the caller, who used racist and sexist slurs, threatened to burn down the prosecutor’s house.