Marcellus Williams
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Marcellus Williams. (Image: Courtesy of Marcellus Williams’ legal team)
DNA evidence proves Marcellus Williams is innocent and the prosecuting attorney seeks to vacate his wrongful conviction, yet Missouri has scheduled his execution for Sept. 24.
Marcellus Williams is scheduled to be executed on Sept. 24 for a crime DNA proves he did not commit. The St. Louis County prosecuting attorney reviewed these DNA results and filed a motion to vacate Mr. Williams’ conviction because he believed the DNA results proved by clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Williams did not commit this crime. Although the circuit court has not yet scheduled a hearing to address this motion — and no court has ever considered the new exculpatory evidence — the Missouri Supreme Court set an execution date for Mr. Williams.
With the weight of this new evidence and the unreliability of the witnesses who testified against Mr. Williams, his conviction must be reevaluated to ensure that justice is truly served. Dedicated professionals from the Innocence Project, Midwest Innocence Project, and Bryan Cave, along with attorneys Larry Komp of the Federal Public Defender, Western District of Missouri, and Kent Gipson, make up the team that continues to fight to stop his Sept. 24 execution. They hope that justice will eventually prevail by way of an exoneration.
Marcellus Williams. (Image: Courtesy of Marcellus Williams’ legal team)
Currently on Death Row:
Yes
Time Served:
Nearly 24 years
State: Missouri
Conviction: First-degree Murder, Robbery, and Burglary
Sentence: Death
Incident Date: 08/11/1998
Conviction Date: 06/15/2001
Accused Pleaded Guilty: No
Contributing Causes of Conviction: Informants
Death Penalty Case: Yes
Race of Victim: Caucasian
Status: Active
Sign Marcellus' petition to stop his execution.
We have less than 100 days to stop the execution of an innocent person. Add your name to the petition and text “Marcellus” to 97016 to join the team.
We have less than 100 days to stop the execution of an innocent person. Add your name to the petition and text “Marcellus” to 97016 to join the team.
Marcellus Williams. (Image: Courtesy of Marcellus Williams’ legal team)
Key Facts to Know About Marcellus Williams
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A crime scene covered with forensic evidence contained no link to Mr. Williams.
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The prosecution’s case against Mr. Williams was based entirely on the unreliable testimony of two incentivized witnesses.
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New DNA testing confirms Mr. Williams is innocent, yet no court has considered that evidence.
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In 2024, the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney concluded that Mr. Williams was actually innocent and moved to vacate his conviction.
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The Missouri attorney general continues a history of fighting innocence cases.
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Incentivized informants are a leading cause of wrongful convictions.
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Racial bias contributed to Mr. Williams’ wrongful conviction.
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Mr. Williams is devoutly religious and an accomplished poet.
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You can help stop Mr. Williams’ unjust execution.
Related News
Attorney Statement: Court Denies Prosecutor's Motion to Vacate Marcellus Williams' Conviction and Death Sentence
Breaking Attorney Statement: Agreement Reached to Ensure Marcellus Williams Is Not Executed
Missouri Supreme Court Rejects AG’s Attempt to Prevent Innocence Hearing For Marcellus Williams
Missouri AG Asks Missouri Supreme Court to Block Hearing on DNA Evidence Proving Marcellus Williams' Innocence
Sign the petition to stop this injustice before it’s too late.
We have three months to stop the execution of an innocent person. Add your name to the petition and text Marcellus to 97016 to join the team.
We have three months to stop the execution of an innocent person. Add your name to the petition and text Marcellus to 97016 to join the team.
Press
Op-ed: Is Missouri About to Execute an Innocent Man?
New York Times 06.21.24
Execution date set for Missouri inmate, even as he awaits hearing on claim of actual innocence
AP News 06.04.24