69 Muslim, Christian, and Jewish Faith Leaders Ask Gov. Parson to Grant Marcellus Williams Clemency

Case update from Sept. 24: Missouri executed Marcellus Williams. 

A powerful interfaith appeal has been made to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, urging clemency for Marcellus Williams, also known as Khalirfah ibn Rayford Daniels, who is facing execution on Sep. 24, despite evidence of innocence, prosecutor’s confession of racial bias at trial, and victim opposition.

A diverse group of 69 religious leaders from Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities in Missouri have united in a call for mercy.

“We are advocating for life without parole and that Marcellus will remain in prison, with the message that his life can remain open to redemption, mercy, and the healing power of God and that he will continue to serve the Muslim community,” the letter says.

There is no reliable evidence proving that Mr. Williams committed the crime for which he was sentenced to death. The State destroyed or contaminated the evidence that could conclusively prove his innocence and the available DNA and other forensic crime-scene evidence does not match him. There is far too much uncertainty in this case to allow Mr. Williams to be executed, particularly when the victim’s family believes life without parole is the appropriate sentence.

During his 24 years in prison, Mr. Williams has devoted much of his time to studying Islam. He serves as the imam for Muslim prisoners at Potosi Correctional Center and is known as “Khaliifah,” meaning leader in Arabic. He has an exemplary prison record and is widely respected within the prison community and beyond.

It is not too late for Gov. Parson to ensure that Missouri does not take an innocent man’s life. The governor should exercise his authority to grant clemency and commute Mr. Williams’ sentence to life without parole, or, at a minimum, stay the execution to allow the resolution of further appeals.

Read the letter here.