The Missouri Supreme Court and Governor Mike Parson have refused to stop the execution of a death row inmate, Marcellus Williams, leaving the decision to the US Supreme Court with less than a day remaining before his scheduled lethal injection.
In a statement, Parson said, “Mr. Williams has had numerous judicial reviews, including over 15 hearings to assert his innocence and overturn his conviction. No jury or court, including the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels, has found any merit in his claims. His guilty verdict and capital punishment sentence were upheld, and nothing in the case’s facts suggests his innocence. Hence, the Supreme Court’s order will be carried out.”
Williams, 55, was convicted of murdering Felicia Gayle, a former newspaper reporter, in 1998. He has consistently maintained his innocence. In January, St. Louis County’s top prosecutor filed a motion to vacate Williams’ 2001 conviction and sentence, citing potential evidence contamination, but the motion was denied.
Governor Parson is refusing to pardon Marcellus Williams. He is innocent and will be executed tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/EHZU7Ltila
— Jess Piper (@piper4missouri) September 23, 2024
Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell and Williams’ lawyers recently submitted a joint brief to the Missouri Supreme Court, requesting a more comprehensive hearing. Williams’ case highlights the risk of executing a potentially innocent person, a concern underlined by the Death Penalty Information Center, which notes that at least 200 death row inmates have been exonerated since 1973.
Williams is set for execution at 6 p.m. CT Tuesday. The NAACP and the Council on American-Islamic Relations have urged Parson to halt the execution. Previously, Parson revoked a stay of execution ordered by his predecessor.
The court examined several issues, including whether the prosecutor in Williams’ 2001 trial struck a potential juror due to discriminatory intent. Williams’ attorneys also appealed to the US Supreme Court, citing “newly-discovered evidence” from a trial prosecutor’s recent testimony.
During an August 28 hearing, a prosecutor admitted to striking a potential juror because he was Black, similar to Williams. However, the Missouri attorney general’s office denied any racial bias, stating the strike was not race-related.
This is the face of Missouri Governor Michael Lynn Parsons, he has denied clemency to an innocent #MarcellusWilliams and will execute him TODAY in Missouri at 6 pm. A disgrace this man is pic.twitter.com/ulaM5pRtAS
— B(s)ad b1tch Nezzzzz 🇰🇪 (@tecra_2) September 24, 2024
The court also considered whether the prosecutor’s office destroyed potentially favourable evidence in bad faith, including handling the murder weapon without gloves, which could have contaminated DNA evidence.
Ultimately, the Missouri Supreme Court decided not to halt Williams’ execution. The court’s opinion asserted that the prosecuting attorney did not demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence Williams’ innocence or a constitutional error undermining the original trial’s judgment.
After the decision, Williams’ attorney Tricia Rojo Bushnell called for intervention to prevent an “irreparable injustice,” stating the execution questions the legitimacy of the criminal justice system. Bell pledged to continue advocating for Williams, emphasizing that execution should not be an option when there’s doubt about guilt.
In their brief, Bell and Williams’ lawyers argued the St. Louis County Circuit Court failed to acknowledge new evidence contradicting the 2001 trial prosecutor’s representations. DNA testing suggested Williams could be excluded as Gayle’s killer, but contamination complicated the evidence.
Both sides received a report indicating the DNA on the murder weapon belonged to an assistant prosecuting attorney and an investigator who handled it without gloves. However, the circuit court ruled this was insufficient to overturn Williams’ conviction or establish his innocence.
Williams’ attorneys argue the contamination violated his due process rights. They, along with the current top prosecutor, sought a Missouri Supreme Court order to reconsider the case.
Missouri Supreme Court, governor refuse to halt execution of man convicted in 1998 killing of social worker https://t.co/Jm7ZnKyKNY pic.twitter.com/GhQQlSZ44K
— New York Post (@nypost) September 24, 2024
Bell and Williams’ attorneys contend the trial was unfair, citing unreliable informant testimony and reward incentives. Despite this, a state judge ruled against vacating Williams’ conviction and sentencing, stating no court has found him innocent.
The case pits Bell against Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who opposed Bell’s January motion, asserting new DNA results would not exonerate Williams.
Last month, Bell’s office reached an agreement for Williams to enter an Alford plea and be resentenced to life in prison. However, the state attorney general opposed and appealed the deal, which the state Supreme Court blocked.
Former Governor Eric Greitens had halted Williams’ execution and formed a board to investigate, but Parson dissolved the board and revoked the stay of execution in 2023.
Parson justified the decision by stating the need to move forward and not delay justice further. Williams’ lawyers argue this denied his due process rights, creating an urgent need for the Court’s attention. Parson’s decision to dissolve the inquiry board does not determine Williams’ execution, as that decision lies with the Courts, according to spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CBS News: The article highlights the ongoing debate over Marcellus Williams’ execution, with DNA evidence suggesting innocence, despite the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision to proceed with the scheduled execution on September 24. (Read more)
- STLPR reports on Missouri Supreme Court denying Marcellus Williams’ appeal, upholding execution despite racial bias claims and contaminated evidence, with clemency power under Governor Mike Parson’s control. (Read more)
- CNN: The Missouri Supreme Court is set to hear Marcellus Williams’ case, despite concerns about racial bias and mishandled DNA evidence in his 1998 murder conviction. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Is Marcellus Williams still scheduled for execution?
Yes, he is scheduled to die by lethal injection at 6 p.m. CT on Tuesday.
Has any court found merit in Marcellus Williams’ innocence claims?
No, courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court, have not found merit in his innocence claims.
What new evidence was presented in Marcellus Williams’ case?
New DNA testing indicated contamination, showing DNA belonged to an assistant prosecutor and an investigator.
Did the Missouri Supreme Court halt Marcellus Williams’ execution?
No, the Missouri Supreme Court unanimously decided not to halt the execution.
Why did the prosecutor’s office file a motion to vacate Williams’ conviction?
They cited potential evidence contamination and unreliable informants, arguing the trial was unfair.
