By Grant Bissell
St. Louis (KSDK) - It was an unthinkable act, on a metro area landmark. More than 20 years ago someone raped two sisters then threw them from the old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
On Monday the family of 20-year-old Julie and 19-year-old Robin Kerry was in court as one of the men convicted for the crime, pushed for a chance to clear his name.
Even though he confessed, Reginald Clemons claims he is innocent, and this week a judge is taking another look at the evidence. The judge's decision could free Clemons, or leave him on Missouri's Death Row.
Ironically, Clemons may get some help from Nels Moss, the man who helped send him to prison.
Moss' tactics and alleged missteps in the 1993 trial dominated Monday's testimony.
Clemons' attorneys attempted to dig away at Moss' credibility, claiming he removed vital information from a police report in an effort to falsely convict Clemons. They added that Moss wouldn't cooperate with requests for evidence, concealed the results of a sexual assault test performed on Julie Kerry's body and was even held in criminal contempt for disobeying a judge's orders.
Clemons' father was in the courtroom listening to the testimony on Monday. He says this new information will be a turning point in the hearing.
"More than anything else it reveals that heretofore there was some information the public was not aware about," said Rev. Reynolds Thomas. "And I think it supports our attitude toward the prosecuting attorney that he was subject to do anything it took to win the case. And I think you're going to find out that there was some fabrication of lies and all that stuff. So, I'm excited."
During questioning from Missouri Assistant Attorney General Susan Boresi, Moss refuted the claims that he altered police reports to pin the murders on Clemons. He said the information in question was presented to the jury. Moss also claimed he had no knowledge of the sexual assault case at the time of the trial.
Clemons is expected to take the stand at some point during the hearing. It could be as early as Tuesday.
On Monday, Jamala Rogers, Reginald's mother, released the following statement:
"We've waited for this hearing for many years. It is a relief for Reggie, his family and supporters to have come this far and we're grateful for the opportunity given to us by the Missouri Supreme Court. Based upon the opening statements by both sides, I think it's going to be a riveting week. It's important that we be patient for all the witnesses and evidence to be presented in its totality before drawing conclusions. Reggie thanks all the love and support coming his way."
KSDK