Missouriindependent.com – Clara Bates – 2025-01-09 05:55:00. SUMMARY: Kurtis Watkins, a St. Louis man sentenced to 25 years for a 2013 shooting based solely on a police officer’s testimony, is petitioning to vacate his conviction. Watkins maintains his innocence, and the only evidence against him was the eyewitness account of Officer Steven Pinkerton, who has since been identified as having a history of racist social media posts and questionable conduct. Watkins’ attorney argues that crucial information regarding Pinkerton’s credibility was withheld during the trial. The petition claims ineffective assistance from Watkins’ original lawyer for failing to present an alibi witness. Legal experts express skepticism about the challenges ahead in the habeas process.