On September 24, 2024, Governor Mike Parson announced that the State of Missouri will proceed with the execution of Marcellus Williams, as mandated by the Missouri Supreme Court.
Williams was convicted of the murder of Felicia Gayle, who was brutally attacked in her home on August 11, 1998. After breaking into her house, he ambushed her as she emerged from the shower, stabbing her 43 times before leaving the murder weapon in her neck and stealing valuables. Williams was eventually connected to the crime following his arrest for several robberies in the St. Louis area.
“Capital punishment is one of the most challenging issues encountered in the Governor’s Office. However, my role is to uphold the law and to have faith in our judicial system’s integrity,” stated Governor Parson. He emphasized that Williams has exhausted all legal avenues, including over 15 hearings in his attempts to prove his innocence and overturn his conviction. “Neither juries nor courts, including those at the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels, have found any merit in Mr. Williams’ claims of innocence. The guilty verdict and capital punishment sentence have been consistently upheld. The facts of this case do not lead me to believe in Mr. Williams’ innocence, so his punishment will be carried out as ordered.”
Governor Parson also expressed concern over how the media has portrayed the case. He criticized Williams’ attorneys for muddling the facts surrounding DNA evidence, claims that have been rejected by the courts. He urged media outlets to adhere to objective reporting rather than relying on assertions from individuals with personal or financial interests in the case. “The facts are clear: Mr. Williams was found guilty, not by the Governor’s Office but by a jury of his peers, and confirmed by the courts,” he added.
Despite Williams’ persistent claims of innocence, overwhelming evidence suggests otherwise. His conviction has been upheld by various entities, including the trial jury, the Missouri Supreme Court during state habeas proceedings, a Board of Inquiry, and the St. Louis County Circuit Court. Key factors supporting the evidence include:
– DNA testing prior to the trial did not utilize “touch DNA” techniques, and subsequent tests have not exonerated Williams.
– Williams has a significant criminal background, with 15 felony convictions alongside charges related to the murder, including robbery and burglary.
– He confessed to the crime to his girlfriend shortly after it occurred, threatening her and her family to prevent her from reporting him to authorities.
– The girlfriend did not seek the reward for information related to the case, despite claims suggesting financial motives.
– A jailhouse informant provided detailed information about the crime that was not public knowledge, corroborating Williams’ involvement.
– Witnesses testified to hearing Williams bragging about the murder, and details about Williams’ actions were disclosed to his defense team prior to trial.
– Personal belongings of Gayle were located in Williams’ car, including her husband’s laptop, which he sold to another individual who later identified him.
Additionally, Williams has exhibited violent behavior while incarcerated, attacking fellow inmates and threatening correctional staff.