Framed for Life: The 33-Year Fight of Donald Simpson Jr. for Justice
“This is my story and my plea for justice—not just for myself, but for everyone affected by this miscarriage of justice.”
– Donald Rogan Simpson Jr.
Introduction
Imagine losing three decades of your life for a crime you didn’t commit. Imagine every appeal denied, every piece of evidence twisted, every witness statement shifting with the wind. This isn’t a hypothetical—it’s the lived reality of Donald Rogan Simpson Jr., who has now spent 33 years, 10 months, and 17 days in a Missouri prison for a murder he has always maintained he did not commit.
At Wickedly Judged, we’re committed to exposing the truth behind wrongful convictions. Today, we bring you Donald’s story in his own words, supported by legal analysis, evidence, and the glaring questions that the justice system refuses to answer.
Who Is Donald Simpson Jr.?
Donald was born in West Memphis, Arkansas, and raised in the Dallas, Texas area. By his late teens, he was traveling the country doing construction and odd jobs, eventually landing in Joplin, Missouri in 1988. Like many, he was looking for a place to belong—a search that would lead him into the orbit of John Katura and Angie Kirk-Head, and ultimately into a nightmare that has lasted more than three decades.
The Crime and the Accusation
In July 1989, the body of J.D. Masters was found, decomposed, in a garage in Joplin. The official cause of death: unknown. The investigation quickly zeroed in on Donald, largely at the urging of John Katura—a man with his own criminal past and a powerful motive to shift blame. How can you arrest and convict a man of a crime when there is no murder weapon and no official cause of death? Then you find out that the person who said it was Donald that committed this crime, confessed to doing it and framing Donald. Yet he still sits in prison?
Donald’s account is clear:
He was not present at the time of the crime.
He left Joplin after finishing a painting job, heading to visit his mother in Dallas.
He had no knowledge of the crime until after his arrest.
So how did he become the prime suspect? According to Donald, after Katura was arrested for an unrelated crime and told (falsely) that Donald had turned him in, Katura made good on a threat: he would frame Donald for murder. Katura’s statements became the backbone of the state’s case—even though they changed with every telling.
The Evidence That Wasn’t
This case is a masterclass in what not to do in a criminal investigation:
No physical evidence ever tied Donald to the scene.
The supposed murder weapon—a towel—wasn’t introduced as evidence or tested for DNA.
A partial fingerprint on handcuffs was lost by the state before it could be analyzed.
Phone records supposedly linking Donald to the crime were proven to have no connection to him or his family.
Even more shocking: Another man, Troy Shenfield, confessed to the crime before Donald was ever a suspect. Shenfield’s confession was corroborated by his girlfriend and documented in police reports. Yet, authorities never fully investigated Shenfield or his confession.
The Trial: A “Railroad Convention”
Donald’s trial was riddled with constitutional violations and prosecutorial misconduct:
Key witnesses recanted or admitted to lying under pressure from investigators.
Donald’s own attorney failed him, promising expert witnesses and exculpatory testimony that never materialized.
Donald was denied the right to confront his accuser—Katura never testified at trial, so the defense couldn’t cross-examine him.
The jury deliberated for just 13 minutes before convicting Donald of first-degree murder.
As Donald puts it:
“There was no direct physical evidence or testimony produced by the state that even places me at the scene of the crime. So in actuality, if you can’t place me there, how could I have been the one to do it?”
The Aftermath: Decades of Appeals and New Evidence
Donald has never stopped fighting. He turned down plea deals, refusing to admit to a crime he didn’t commit. He has filed motions, gathered evidence, and even uncovered proof that the prosecution’s star witnesses lied under oath.
In 2023, a comprehensive legal analysis and new evidence—including corroborated third-party confessions—were submitted in a motion to vacate his conviction. Yet, as of today, Donald remains incarcerated.
Why This Matters
Donald’s case is not just about one man. It’s about a justice system that too often values convictions over truth, expediency over fairness, and reputation over actual justice. Every day Donald spends behind bars is a day that the real killer goes free—and a day that faith in our system is eroded.
Donald’s Message to You
“Not only am I seeking justice and exoneration for myself, but I’m seeking justice for the alleged victim as well, and all the family members on both sides. I welcome everyone to review the evidence and help me regain my rightful freedom.”
Donald invites you to review the evidence for yourself at:
www.wrongfullyconvicted-seekingexoneration.com
How You Can Help
Share Donald’s story: Awareness is power. Post this blog, talk about the case, and spread the word.
Contact Missouri officials: Demand a review of Donald’s conviction.
Support our advocacy: Follow Wickedly Judged on social media for updates, and visit our website to learn how you can get involved.
Listen to Donald’s own words: Check out our latest podcast episode, featuring Donald’s pre-recorded message and legal analysis of his case.
Final Thoughts
Donald Simpson Jr’s case is a chilling reminder of how easy it is to be “wickedly judged” when the system prioritizes closure over truth. But it’s also a call to action—for all of us to stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay hopeful. Because nobody deserves to be wickedly judged.
Thank you to our sponsor, Veteran Alliance, and to JP Verse of Versefire Records for the music that underscores our mission to seek justice for the wrongfully convicted.
For more stories, resources, and ways to help, visit wickedlyjudged.com.
