St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner suddenly stepped down earlier today. Her original resignation letter was dated to take effect on June 1st, but this follow-up letter to the Governor took effect immediately.
This appears to leave the office without clear person in command, at least for the moment. Gardner had enlisted the help of St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell and his staff to help move along the backlog of violent cases her office has been unable to keep up with.
Bell was reported to be physically in the Circuit Attorney's office on Tuesday after Gardner's resignation, but his spokesman, Chris King, emphasized that Bell currently has no formal role in the organization. Speaking to reporters gathered outside Gardner's office, King said Bell had only been talking with her staff.
King says while Gardner had the authority to ask for help, she didn't have the authority to name her successor.
Gov. Mike Parson's office says he will address "ongoing efforts to fill the office vacancy" in a news conference today at 3:30 p.m. after his ribbon cutting visit already scheduled to a new center at St. Louis Community College.
KMOX expects to broadcast the Governor's statement live on the radio.
A statement from the Circuit Attorney's office says:
The Circuit Attorney has worked with St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell and his office to ensure a comprehensive transition plan is in place to handle cases that prioritizes public safety.
Effective immediately, Kimberly M. Gardner will end her service as the City of St. Louis Circuit Attorney. Ms. Gardner has been committed to serving the people of the City of St. Louis and has done all she can to ensure a smooth transition. Further inquiries about ongoing cases can be directed to St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.