The Missouri Supreme Court has removed a St. Charles County judge from office for misconduct after finding that he repeatedly undermined courtroom decorum, including dressing in an Elvis costume while conducting proceedings and engaging in political discussions from the bench.
In a unanimous ruling issued December 29, 2025, the court ordered the removal of Judge Matthew E.P. Thornhill of the 11th Circuit Court, rejecting a prior disciplinary agreement that would have allowed him to remain in office following a temporary suspension.
Thornhill, 57, was first elected in 2006.
The misconduct findings included allegations that he disrupted courtroom decorum, intervened in a child adoption matter, and engaged in political commentary during hearings.
For more than a decade around Halloween, Thornhill wore an Elvis wig in court, quoted song lyrics, played music while proceedings were underway, and asked participants whether they wanted to be sworn in to Elvis songs.
Court documents included photos of Thornhill on the bench in costume.
The ruling also cited instances where Thornhill discussed his political affiliation in court, referenced his campaign signage, and asked courtroom participants whether they lived in what he called “Thornhill for Judge Country.”
In the decision, Judge Paul C. Wilson wrote:
“Members of the public who heard him declare—in the courtroom—his partisan affiliation and identify those candidates he supports in other races reasonably could have thought their chances for a favorable outcome could or would be enhanced if they professed the same affiliation.”
Earlier in 2025, the Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges negotiated a proposed sanction allowing Thornhill to serve a six-month suspension followed by an additional 18 months in office before resigning, pending Supreme Court approval.
The court rejected that agreement and instead ordered his immediate removal on December 29.
In November 2025, Thornhill sought to withdraw from the disciplinary deal or reduce the suspension to 60 days, citing embarrassment over the Elvis photographs and the public disclosure of the agreement.
The court ruled that the commission had never promised to withhold the images or keep the arrangement confidential.
Thornhill acknowledged the impact of his actions, stating:
“I now recognize that this could affect the integrity and solemnity of the proceedings.”
Under Missouri law, judges aged 55 and older with at least 20 years of service are eligible to receive post-service benefits, a provision referenced in public discussion surrounding Thornhill’s previously proposed delayed resignation plan.
The court’s decision removes Thornhill from the bench effective immediately.
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