Missouri Man Executed for 1998 Murder Despite Family’s Pleas for Commutation
A Missouri man convicted of breaking into a woman’s home and repeatedly stabbing her was executed Tuesday over the objections of the victim’s family and the prosecutor, who wanted the death sentence commuted to life in prison.
Court Proceedings
Marcellus Williams, 55, was convicted in the 1998 killing of Lisha Gayle, who was stabbed during the burglary of her suburban St. Louis home.
Williams was put to death despite questions his attorneys raised over jury selection at his trial and the handling of evidence in the case. His clemency petition focused heavily on how Gayle’s relatives wanted Williams’ sentence commuted to life without the possibility of parole.
Familial Support
“The family defines closure as Marcellus being allowed to live,” the petition stated. “Marcellus’ execution is not necessary.”
Execution Proceedings
As Williams lay awaiting execution, he appeared to converse with a spiritual adviser seated next to him. Williams wiggled his feet underneath a white sheet that was pulled up to his neck and moved his head slightly while his spiritual advisor continued to talk. Then Williams’ chest heaved about a half dozen times, and he showed no further movement.
Williams’ son and two attorneys watched from another room. No one was present on behalf of the victim’s family.
Statement from the Department of Corrections
The Department of Corrections released a brief statement that Williams had written ahead of time, saying: “All Praise Be to Allah In Every Situation!!!”
Reactions and Controversy
Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said he hoped the execution brings finality to a case that “languished for decades, revictimizing Ms. Gayle’s family over and over again.”
“No juror nor judge has ever found Williams’ innocence claim to be credible,” Parson said in a statement.
The NAACP had been among those urging Parson to cancel the execution.
“Tonight, Missouri lynched another innocent Black man,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement.
Background of the Case
Gayle, 42, was a social worker and former St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter. Prosecutors at Williams’ trial said he broke into her home on Aug. 11, 1998, heard the shower running and found a large butcher knife. Gayle was stabbed 43 times when she came downstairs. Her purse and her husband’s laptop were stolen.
Investigation and Trial
Authorities said Williams stole a jacket to conceal blood on his shirt. His girlfriend asked him why he would wear a jacket on a hot day. She said she later saw the purse and laptop in his car and that Williams sold the computer a day or two later.
Prosecutors also cited testimony from Henry Cole, who shared a cell with Williams in 1999 while Williams was jailed on unrelated charges. Cole told prosecutors that Williams confessed to the killing and provided details about it.
Clemency Petition
Williams’ attorneys responded that the girlfriend and Cole were both convicted of felonies and wanted a $10,000 reward. They said that fingerprints, a bloody shoeprint, hair and other evidence at the crime scene didn’t match Williams’.
Conclusion
Despite the controversy surrounding the case, the execution of Marcellus Williams went forward, with the family of the victim’s pleas for commutation falling on deaf ears. The case highlights the ongoing debate around the death penalty and the need for a fair and just system.
FAQs
Q: What was the crime that Marcellus Williams was convicted of?
A: Williams was convicted of breaking into a woman’s home and repeatedly stabbing her during a burglary.
Q: What was the outcome of Williams’ clemency petition?
A: The petition was denied, and Williams was executed despite the objections of the victim’s family and the prosecutor.
Q: What were the concerns raised by Williams’ attorneys?
A: Williams’ attorneys raised concerns over jury selection at his trial and the handling of evidence in the case.
Q: What was the reaction of the NAACP to the execution?
A: The NAACP President Derrick Johnson stated that “Tonight, Missouri lynched another innocent Black man.”
