Ex-judges review Missouri death penalty case

wireready_08-22-2018-20-44-02_03829_deathpenalty

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ A panel of former judges is considering the Missouri
death penalty case of Marcellus Williams and whether Gov. Mike Parson should
spare his life.

The board met Wednesday in Jefferson City and heard from attorneys on both
sides.

Williams’ son, the Missouri NAACP president and other supporters gathered
outside. Innocence Project Co-Founder Barry Scheck, who was one of O.J.
Simpson’s defense attorneys, also attended.

Williams was convicted of killing former St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Lisha
Gayle during a 1998 burglary. He was hours away from execution when then-Gov.
Eric Greitens ordered an investigation last year.

Greitens’ action followed the release of new DNA testing previously
unavailable. DNA found on the weapon matched another unknown person, not
Williams.

Prosecutors have said they’re still confident Williams is guilty based on other
evidence.

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI