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Missouri Judge to Resign After Wearing Elvis Wig and Playing Presley Songs in Court

09:23 PM, 11/24/2025
Missouri Judge to Resign After Wearing Elvis Wig and Playing Presley Songs in Court

Matthew E.P. Thornhill, a St. Charles County circuit judge in Missouri, has agreed to resign after a judicial commission found he wore an Elvis Presley wig around Oct. 31 and at times played Presley songs or recited lyrics in court. The negotiated resolution calls for a six-month unpaid suspension followed by 18 months before resignation, avoiding a formal disciplinary hearing. The commission also alleged occasional political activity from the bench and a 2024 personal reference in a juvenile adoption matter. Thornhill acknowledged the conduct as "substantially accurate," saying his intent had been to add levity but that he now recognizes its effect on courtroom solemnity.

A Missouri circuit judge has agreed to step down after a judicial commission concluded he repeatedly disrupted courtroom decorum by wearing an Elvis Presley wig around Halloween and at times playing Presley songs or reciting lyrics during proceedings.

Matthew E.P. Thornhill, a long-serving St. Charles County circuit judge, reached a disciplinary agreement that would avoid a formal hearing. Under the proposed resolution, Thornhill would serve a six-month unpaid suspension and then complete an additional 18 months before resigning from the bench, according to court documents.

Allegations from the disciplinary commission

Missouri’s Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges reported that Thornhill engaged in conduct that undermined the order and solemnity of the courtroom. The report alleges he wore a Presley wig "on or about October 31" while conducting official business; allowed litigants to choose how they were sworn in — in some instances by picking a Presley song from his phone; and recited song lyrics that were unrelated to the matters before the court.

The commission also alleged instances of improper political activity from the bench, including references to his political affiliation and comments to participants about the placement of campaign signs bearing the slogan "Thornhill for Judge." Separately, the report says Thornhill submitted a personal reference on behalf of a petitioner in a 2024 juvenile adoption matter to another judge.

Thornhill's response and current status

In a Nov. 12 letter to the Missouri Supreme Court, Thornhill said the allegations in the commission's report were "substantially accurate" and acknowledged the commission could prove them. He explained that his intent was to add levity in hopes of easing litigants' stress but wrote that he now recognizes how that approach could undermine the integrity and solemnity of proceedings. Thornhill expressed regret for any inconvenience and pledged to serve with "honor and dignity" going forward.

The disciplinary resolution is now pending before the Missouri Supreme Court. The court has accepted dozens of letters submitted on Thornhill's behalf in support of his character. Thornhill's official biography notes his longtime admiration for Elvis Presley and lists personal interests including surfing, gardening, watching soccer, golfing with his children, and running with his dog on the Katy Trail.

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