Marcellus Williams Granted Stay Of Execution
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens did the right thing on Tuesday and issued a stay of execution for Marcellus Williams, who was convicted of murder, but the DNA evidence was inconclusive.
Via CNN:
Marcellus Williams was convicted in the death of Felicia Gayle, 42, a former reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper who was stabbed 43 times inside her home in August 1998.
The newly acquired evidence shows Williams’ DNA was not found on the murder weapon, Williams’ lawyers say, though DNA from another male was found.
That evidence was not available when Williams went to trial in 2001, court documents say. Williams maintains his innocence and says he was convicted on the testimony of individuals who were, themselves, convicted felons.
Greitens released the following statement:
A sentence of death is the ultimate, permanent punishment. To carry out the death penalty, the people of Missouri must have confidence in the judgment of guilt. In light of new information, I am appointing a Board of Inquiry in this case.
Read more on this story at CNN.com.