William P. McKinney, the former Buckner police officer who is facing charges in the death of a 62-year-old Buckner resident, made his first appearance in Franklin County Circuit Court on Monday.
McKinney is charged with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery of a senior citizen and official misconduct in the death of Roy D. Barnhart who died July 7, five days after McKinney arrested him.
McKinney was advised of his rights and an arraignment hearing was set for August 14 at 1:30 p.m.
McKinney was fired by Buckner officials shortly after the altercation that took place on July 2. Police were called to quell a disturbance and Barnhart and McKinney, who was one of the responding officers, had a heated verbal exchange. Barnhart was tasered by one of the other officers and then McKinney allegedly hit and kicked Barnhart after he was on the ground and handcuffed, according to witnesses. At least one report by witnesses indicate that McKinney had to be physically pulled off of Barnhart, who died July 7 at St. Louis University Hospital.
McKinney is being represented by Franklin County Public Defender Eric Dirnbeck.
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