Additional Coverage:
Marcellus Williams was executed in Missouri on Tuesday, having spent over 20 years on death row. Williams maintained his innocence in the 1998 stabbing of Felicia Gayle, and many people opposed his execution.
His attorney argued for a stay, citing racial discrimination in jury selection and mishandled DNA evidence. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a stay, but three liberal justices dissented.
Williams’ son and attorneys witnessed his execution, while Gayle’s family did not attend. Prosecutors claimed Williams stabbed Gayle 43 times during a robbery.
Williams’ lawyers raised concerns about the exclusion of black jurors, and the mishandling of the murder weapon, which raised questions about DNA evidence.
Despite the victim’s family supporting a life sentence, local prosecutors sought to overturn Williams’ conviction. Two previous execution dates were stayed due to DNA evidence not matching Williams.
Legal groups argued that Williams’ case reflected systemic issues in the criminal justice system, citing his status as a Black man convicted of killing a white woman.