A Missouri death row inmate set to be executed in less than a week asks the US Supreme Court to halt his execution

CNN
A Missouri death row inmate set to be executed in less than a week asks the US Supreme Court to halt his execution

Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN
Wed, September 18, 2024 at 7:01 PM EDT
2 min read

A death row inmate in Missouri who has long claimed his innocence and is scheduled to be executed in less than one week asked the US Supreme Court on Wednesday for a stay of execution, arguing his due process rights were denied during the yearslong legal battle to save his life.

Marcellus Williams, 55, was convicted of first-degree murder in 2001 in the death of Felicia Gayle, a one-time newspaper reporter found stabbed to death in her home in 1998. His execution is set for September 24. … In court documents, lawyers for Williams note former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens previously halted Williams’ execution indefinitely and formed a board to investigate his case and determine whether he should be granted clemency. … “The Board investigated Williams’ case for the next six years — until Governor Michael Parson abruptly terminated the process,” the lawyers write.

When Parson took office, he dissolved the board and revoked Williams’ stay of execution, the petition notes. Parson’s decision denied Williams his right to due process, Williams’ lawyers say. … “The Governor’s actions have violated Williams’ constitutional rights and created an exceptionally urgent need for the Court’s attention,” the court documents state.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney said earlier this year that there were constitutional errors in Williams’ original criminal trial, the court documents state, citing issues including the removal of at least one prospective Black juror due to race.

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