Missouri Executes Marcellus Williams Despite Doubts Over Guilt

Williams was put to death despite calls for clemency from prosecutors, the victim's family, and over a million supporters who highlighted the lack of forensic evidence tying him to the crime.

Marcellus Williams was executed on Tuesday for the 1998 murder of Lisha Gayle, despite maintaining his innocence and significant questions about his guilt.
Prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the victim's family all argued that Williams' trial was mishandled and that he should be spared the death penalty.
No forensic evidence linked Williams to the crime scene, and new DNA testing revealed contamination by prosecution team members.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson and the state Supreme Court denied clemency requests, while the U.S. Supreme Court declined to halt the execution.
Williams' execution has reignited debates over the death penalty, with critics citing it as an example of systemic injustice and the risks of executing potentially innocent individuals.