Josh Kezer donates $10,000 to Lawless murder investigation

The man exonerated of Angela Mischelle Lawless' murder has donated $10,000 to the Scott County Sheriff's Department, earmarked only to fund the investigation of her death.

Josh Kezer was exonerated of the murder in 2009 and has sought to bring her killer to justice since he was released. With his donation, Kezer said he is helping Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter examine leads.

"The Lawlesses can't have closure, but they can have justice," Kezer said.

The money has been placed on a line budget, which means it will only be used for the Lawless investigation, Walter said. The investigation has employed the services of domestic and international experts, many of whom are providing help pro bono.

Walter continues to look into leads and send evidence away for expert examination, processes that will become easier with Kezer's donation.

"When it's being done pro bono, it's not as quick," Walter said. "There's a line, and we're sometimes behind paying customers. If we offer money, we'll be able to jump ahead in line."

The department will begin using an investigator from another agency in the next week, Walter said. Walter declined to say who the investigator is or what agency the person is from. The agency will pay for the investigator while he or she is working with Scott County.

Pertinent address:

311 S. New Madrid St., Benton, MO