Marcellus Williams (courtesy; Missouri Department of Corrections)
The Missouri Supreme Court has withdrawn the execution warrant on Marcellus Williams. A Department of Corrections spokesperson would not say what prompted the high court’s decision.
Williams was scheduled to die by lethal injection at the prison in Bonne Terre early the morning of January 28 for the 1998 murder of former St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Felicia Gayle. Williams’ attorney asked for a halt on the execution, claiming a lack of evidence.
“The evidence against him is so weak that even as it exists now it would be unjust to execute him when there’s substantial doubt about his guilt,” attorney Kent Gipson argued. “Plus, we’re seeking access to additional DNA testing that could conclusively prove that he’s innocent.”
For more background, click here.
