Missouri Supreme Court Blocks Plea Deal for Death Row Inmate Marcellus Williams
The court orders an evidentiary hearing on Williams' innocence claim as his execution date looms.
- Williams was convicted of the 1998 murder of Felicia Gayle and sentenced to death.
- Prosecutors admitted mishandling the murder weapon, contaminating key DNA evidence.
- Williams agreed to an Alford plea to avoid execution, but the deal was blocked by the state Attorney General.
- The Missouri Supreme Court sided with the Attorney General, halting the plea deal and setting a hearing date.
- Williams' legal team and supporters, including the victim's family, continue to push for his exoneration.
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