In 2017, new evidence emerged suggesting Marcellus Williams’ potential innocence, yet he is set to be executed on September 24, 2024.
The evidence, including DNA from the crime scene and fingerprints, does not match Williams. Prosecutors and defense counsel agree that Williams, who has been imprisoned for over two decades for the 1998 murder of newspaper reporter Felicia Gayle, likely had no involvement in the crime.
On August 28, 2024, a Missouri court reviewed this evidence as part of a final attempt by Williams’ attorneys to halt his execution. Despite testimony from both sides urging for the execution to be stopped, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office has argued for it to proceed. The court has requested final submissions by September 4.
Felicia Gayle was found murdered on August 11, 1998, in her University City, Missouri home. Evidence, including bloody footprints and fingerprints, did not match Williams. Witnesses saw a different suspect, and although Williams was eventually arrested and convicted, issues like racial discrimination in jury selection and mishandling of evidence have plagued the case.
Governor Eric Greitens had previously postponed Williams’ execution and established a Board of Inquiry, which was later dissolved by Governor Mike Parson in June 2023 before any report was published. Attorney General Andrew Bailey subsequently rescheduled Williams’ execution.
Recent revelations include improper handling of evidence, including fingerprints from the crime scene. The defense is challenging the integrity of the prosecution and evidence, while the Innocence Project criticizes the approach of the prosecution.
Williams’ case highlights ongoing debates about justice, wrongful convictions, and systemic issues within the legal system.