The Missouri Supreme Court has denied the state attorney general’s request to block an August hearing to determine the innocence of Marcellus Williams, who is set to be executed in September. Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office had filed a motion arguing that a higher court had already issued a ruling in the case and set an execution date. However, the Supreme Court did not provide a reasoning for denying the request.
Williams’ lawyers stated that they are relieved that the hearing, requested by the county prosecutor to ensure an innocent man is not executed, will proceed. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell filed a motion in January to vacate the murder conviction based on new DNA evidence that suggested Williams was not involved in the 1998 death of Lisha Gayle.
Williams, who was convicted of stabbing Gayle 43 times, was set to die in 2017 but then-Gov. Eric Greitens halted the process for investigation. Six years later, Gov. Mike Parson disbanded the investigating group, leading to Williams’ September execution date being set. The Missouri Supreme Court also affirmed the attorney general’s request to keep Christopher Dunn in prison, despite a lower court ruling clearing him of murder.
The Missouri Supreme Court’s decision to allow the hearing for Williams’ innocence raises hope for a fair legal process in determining the truth behind his conviction and potential execution. The case highlights the importance of ensuring justice is served in capital punishment cases and the need for thorough investigations to prevent the execution of innocent individuals.
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