Ken Middleton, sentenced to life in prison for the 1990 death of his wife, gave The Pitch his first interview since his conviction.
Cliff Middleton speaks with a preacher's zeal and intensity. When he isn't locked in eye contact with you, trying to convince you of his cause, his gaze wanders over your shoulder, as if looking for an invisible flock. He discusses — at length — justice, truth and his father.
Those subjects intersect in Blue Springs, in the home of Cliff's father and stepmother. Truth and justice notwithstanding, two facts about what happened there on February 12, 1990, are not in dispute: Ken and Kathy Middleton were the only two people in their Blue Springs house, and a bullet that discharged from Ken's .357-caliber Magnum entered the left side of Kathy's face, ending the 46-year-old woman's life on the couple's dining-room floor.
Kathy had been Cliff's stepmother since he was 5 years old. Although he lived with his biological mother most of the year, Cliff relished spending summers with his father and his father's wife, often exploring the land that the couple owned in rural Arkansas. Cliff was 20 when Kathy died, and his father was given a prison sentence of life plus 200 years for first-degree murder and armed criminal action. Ken says Kathy's death was a tragic accident, not a homicide. Since 1991, Cliff has spent part of every day working to prove that his father didn't kill the woman Cliff thought of as a second mom.
Ken calls his son from prison five times a day to talk strategy. Even when Cliff is exhausted from a day of hauling cars to dealerships — a trade he followed his dad into — he picks up the phone. Cliff works on his website about Ken, meets with Ken's lawyers, calls media outlets and meets with community activists, never giving himself a day off — not for holidays, not for his wedding, not for the births of his three children.
After 20 years of court fights, revelations about the investigation, and nonstop campaigning on his father's behalf, Cliff still doesn't fully understand the events leading to Kathy's death, and neither do authorities. Now, though, Ken is preparing a final appeal motion to reopen his case and, he hopes, to earn a new trial. More than ever, he is leaning on Cliff, the one advocate he has had since his journey through the justice system began.
For Patrick Peters, the assistant Jackson County prosecutor assigned to the Middleton case, the death of Kathy Middleton was just another open-and-shut wife killing. It was nothing new to the man known in the courthouse as Dr. Death because of the half-dozen capital-punishment convictions on his résumé.
"A first-year law student could have gone in there and got a conviction," Peters says, recalling the case.
The way Peters presented it to a jury: Ken called Kathy at work and told her that he was feeling ill, and she agreed to return home to care for him. When she arrived, Ken held his wife of 16 years against their dining-room wall, put his Smith & Wesson revolver about 8 inches from her face and executed her. When she was dead, he called 911 and shrieked to the operator that his wife had been shot. Then he ran to greet police when they arrived at the scene. Upon being told by EMTs that Kathy was dead, Ken bolted for the bathroom, pretended to wretch and began washing his hands, hoping to rid them of gunpowder residue. Riding in an ambulance to the hospital, paramedics reported that Ken feigned unconsciousness.
When it was time to tell authorities how Kathy ended up dead in their home, Ken's story came unglued.
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It is time for a true Investigative Reporter/Journalist to expose the corruption in this case, and prove the false conviction of Ken Middleton.
The Truth is Better Than The Spin, and now it will be brought out to the public in a movie and a book.
Larry Garrison
The NewsBreaker
It is time for a true Investigative Reporter/Journalist to expose the corruption in this case, and prove the false conviction of Ken Middleton. The Truth is Better Than The Spin, and now it will be brought out to the public in a movie and a book. Larry Garrison The NewsBreaker
Thanks to Cliff for bringing light to the public about the great injustices in the legal system. His father, Ken Middleton, is one victim and my son, Christopher Kuehne, is another, among others. Juries are easily swayed by emotion.
Thanks to Cliff for bringing light to the public about the great injustices in the legal system. His father, Ken Middleton, is one victim and my son, Christopher Kuehne, is another, among others. Juries are easily swayed by emotion.
As stated in this article "No one really knows what happened that night", however, if this man's son has evidence that will possible overturn his fathers conviction and a Judge has also read over all the evidence provided and agrees that this man deserves another trial...Who care's about jurisdiction!..What happened to Justice, fair Trial and Truth?...please do the right thing and give this man a new trial. I pray God reveals the truth!
I read the "Good Son" story in the Pitch this week and I feel for this guy who is doing everything to help free his dad who to me apparently innocent. I had to go online and post a comment. The justice system is really failing this family. Cliff you are really a "Good Son" and your dad sounds like a very honorable man who needs and deserves to have everything heard and brought to the table. Don't stop fighting for him!! I send you my prayers and some of my strength you will need it for the road to come. Good Luck....
To: "Good Son" After reading your story I can't help but feel like your father needs and deserves another chance to be heard!! You have committed your life for his crusade to free an innocent man and I commend you for that. It certainly does not take a professional or lawyer to see that there are too many holes and unquestionable evidence in this case. So, "Good Son" stay the course and I wish you justice for your family.
A very appealing story about this son who is doing everything to get justice for his father. I read about many criminal cases that get overturned every day and a innocent person gets to walk free after years in prison. This man also deserves a chance to be heard and representative to the fullest. Good Luck to you, and don't ever give up..
As stated in this article "No one really knows what happened that night", however, if this man's son has evidence that will possible overturn his fathers conviction and a Judge has also read over all the evidence provided and agrees that this man deserves another trial...Who care's about jurisdiction!..What happened to Justice, fair Trial and Truth?...please do the right thing and give this man a new trial. I pray God reveals the truth!
I read the "Good Son" story in the Pitch this week and I feel for this guy who is doing everything to help free his dad who to me apparently innocent. I had to go online and post a comment. The justice system is really failing this family. Cliff you are really a "Good Son" and your dad sounds like a very honorable man who needs and deserves to have everything heard and brought to the table. Don't stop fighting for him!! I send you my prayers and some of my strength you will need it for the road to come. Good Luck....
To: "Good Son" After reading your story I can't help but feel like your father needs and deserves another chance to be heard!! You have committed your life for his crusade to free an innocent man and I commend you for that. It certainly does not take a professional or lawyer to see that there are too many holes and unquestionable evidence in this case. So, "Good Son" stay the course and I wish you justice for your family.
A very appealing story about this son who is doing everything to get justice for his father. I read about many criminal cases that get overturned every day and a innocent person gets to walk free after years in prison. This man also deserves a chance to be heard and representative to the fullest. Good Luck to you, and don't ever give up..
Since the first time I saw Cliff Middleton billboard (Son Crusades for Fathers Freedom), I have been glued to this story. I find out that it is almost impossible to get a 29.15 hearing. This is a hearing to re-open a criminal case. So having said this, the mountains of evidence gathered by the Middleton family, and presented at this hearing by Johnathan Laurans, Mr. Middltons attorney, convinced Judge Edith Messina to overturn her own conviction, and order a new trial. Finally, a break. But no. The Jackson County Prosecutors office appeals her decision, that she has no jurisdiction to hear the case. I ask you, all of you reading, who knows the case better than the original trial judge. That being the Hon. Edith Messina. I'm floored at they're arrogance. This is a proven innocent man, and through bullsh*t technicalities, the Jackson County judicial is keeping this man in prison. I appeal to all, contact the Jackson County Prosecutors office and demand justice for this PROVEN INNOCENT MAN. Please, please...read "free_kenmiddleton.com". You will have many emotions. The least of which will be frustration at how the system will not give this man a new trial, and JUSTICE.
Since the first time I saw Cliff Middleton billboard (Son Crusades for Fathers Freedom), I have been glued to this story. I find out that it is almost impossible to get a 29.15 hearing. This is a hearing to re-open a criminal case. So having said this, the mountains of evidence gathered by the Middleton family, and presented at this hearing by Johnathan Laurans, Mr. Middltons attorney, convinced Judge Edith Messina to overturn her own conviction, and order a new trial. Finally, a break. But no. The Jackson County Prosecutors office appeals her decision, that she has no jurisdiction to hear the case. I ask you, all of you reading, who knows the case better than the original trial judge. That being the Hon. Edith Messina. I'm floored at they're arrogance. This is a proven innocent man, and through bullsh*t technicalities, the Jackson County judicial is keeping this man in prison. I appeal to all, contact the Jackson County Prosecutors office and demand justice for this PROVEN INNOCENT MAN. Please, please...read "free_kenmiddleton.com". You will have many emotions. The least of which will be frustration at how the system will not give this man a new trial, and JUSTICE.
Cliff, I am so touched by your story, touched with sadness, but touched too by the integrity of your father, something which often is so hard to find in humanity these days. Your father's story is astounding. Good for you (though maybe the years have been rough, no doubt, on you), what a blessing to be able to help him and what a true blessing he has in you.
I find Ken's unwillingness to take a plea nothing short of admirable. To say Ken is selfish is ignorant. Cliff, you are a true inspiration and Being of Light. Blessings and all the good the Universe has to offer to you and your father. “Unless a life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile” Mother Teresa of Cacutta.
Cliff, I am so touched by your story, touched with sadness, but touched too by the integrity of your father, something which often is so hard to find in humanity these days. Your father's story is astounding. Good for you (though maybe the years have been rough, no doubt, on you), what a blessing to be able to help him and what a true blessing he has in you. I find Ken's unwillingness to take a plea nothing short of admirable. To say Ken is selfish is ignorant. Cliff, you are a true inspiration and Being of Light. Blessings and all the good the Universe has to offer to you and your father. “Unless a life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile†Mother Teresa of Cacutta.
Cliff good job. I've known you for years and I want to tell you how proud I am of your hard work. I have read all about your dad's case and the obvious corruption that has taken place and I too would do exactly what you are doing if it was for anyone in my family especially my father. Keep up the good work and keep faith because justice will prevail.
I commend this young man for his fight for justice. I personally was charged for a crime I didn't commit and was sentenced to 25 years. Luckily I too had a family member who believed in my innocence and through their hard work and zealous commitment to my defense was I able to get my case overturned and released from prison. ONLY AFTER SERVING 7 YEARS FOR A CRIME I DIDN'T DO! So I write tonight to all of you who don't think in this day and age that it's far fetched that you could go to jail for something you didn't do I'm here to tell you it happens more than you think. So again, my hat is off to this young man who is fighting for his father. Sometimes you find it is only family who will stand in your corner!
I'm confused about your story. It sounds like you think it's impossible that an innocent man may be sitting in jail for a crime that he didn't commit or in this case, a crime that never happened. I too would fight for my father and his freedom if there was any doubt to his guilt. There has been many of cases where evidence was withheld or where convictions were overturned because of ineffective counsel or misconduct on the part of the Prosecutor.
After Googling Ken Middleton and his case, there appears to be many unanswered questions regarding his conviction. So many in fact, that it looks like an innocent man may be sitting in prison for a tragic accident that happened 20 yrs. ago. I applaude Cliff Middleton for his tenacity and for the fact that he is fighting every day to get his father a fair trial. As for the journalist who wrote this piece, you should do some more investigating because you'd fnd out that this wouldn't be the first time someone in Kansas City did time for a crime they didn't do.
Cliff good job. I've known you for years and I want to tell you how proud I am of your hard work. I have read all about your dad's case and the obvious corruption that has taken place and I too would do exactly what you are doing if it was for anyone in my family especially my father. Keep up the good work and keep faith because justice will prevail.
I commend this young man for his fight for justice. I personally was charged for a crime I didn't commit and was sentenced to 25 years. Luckily I too had a family member who believed in my innocence and through their hard work and zealous commitment to my defense was I able to get my case overturned and released from prison. ONLY AFTER SERVING 7 YEARS FOR A CRIME I DIDN'T DO! So I write tonight to all of you who don't think in this day and age that it's far fetched that you could go to jail for something you didn't do I'm here to tell you it happens more than you think. So again, my hat is off to this young man who is fighting for his father. Sometimes you find it is only family who will stand in your corner!
I'm confused about your story. It sounds like you think it's impossible that an innocent man may be sitting in jail for a crime that he didn't commit or in this case, a crime that never happened. I too would fight for my father and his freedom if there was any doubt to his guilt. There has been many of cases where evidence was withheld or where convictions were overturned because of ineffective counsel or misconduct on the part of the Prosecutor. After Googling Ken Middleton and his case, there appears to be many unanswered questions regarding his conviction. So many in fact, that it looks like an innocent man may be sitting in prison for a tragic accident that happened 20 yrs. ago. I applaude Cliff Middleton for his tenacity and for the fact that he is fighting every day to get his father a fair trial. As for the journalist who wrote this piece, you should do some more investigating because you'd fnd out that this wouldn't be the first time someone in Kansas City did time for a crime they didn't do.
My name is Cliff Middleton. This story is about my father and I. I would like to thank everyone who read this story and/or commented. I think it's important that I clarify a few things. First of all, it is true that I told my father that we all knew he was innocent and if he wanted to take the Alford Plea which Prosecutor Mike Sanders was offering we would not believe he was guilty nor would we think less of him. That fact is that I have more respect for him now than I ever have! What guilty man serving life without parole would turn down freedom in place of honor and respect? The truth is even fewer innocent men would turn it down but my father did. The extreme measures I have taken in pursuit of justice for my father have been my decision alone. It would be harder to give up than to keep fighting so...I will keep on fighting. Sincerely, Cliff Middleton
My name is Cliff Middleton. This story is about my father and I. I would like to thank everyone who read this story and/or commented. I think it's important that I clarify a few things. First of all, it is true that I told my father that we all knew he was innocent and if he wanted to take the Alford Plea which Prosecutor Mike Sanders was offering we would not believe he was guilty nor would we think less of him. That fact is that I have more respect for him now than I ever have! What guilty man serving life without parole would turn down freedom in place of honor and respect? The truth is even fewer innocent men would turn it down but my father did. The extreme measures I have taken in pursuit of justice for my father have been my decision alone. It would be harder to give up than to keep fighting so...I will keep on fighting. Sincerely, Cliff Middleton
Sir, I am pleased with your response. Anyone who thinks the legal system has anything to do with either truth or justice is sadly mistaken. A show trial is a show trial.
To have any success with your father's case you will need to present stunningly embarrassing data to the press regarding your father's innocence. The criminal justice system is very committed to maintaining it's plantation style slavery system. Any attack on it or attempt to downsize will be loudly protested by the guards. Do we really need to incarcerate more people than either China or Russia? You know the answer but chances are you so you don't want to deal with it. In that case, cousin, with all due respect, fuggle you.
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