BONNE TERRE, Mo. (News First) – A petition that is designed to halt this month’s scheduled execution of a Missouri prisoner is circling the state. There are more than 524,000 signatures of individuals, wanting the State of Missouri to stop Marcellus Williams’ execution. Supporters want Williams exonerated, citing his previous innocence claims. Williams was found guilty of the 1998 murder of former St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Felicia Gayle.
According to court papers, Gayle was stabbed 43 times with a kitchen knife. Earlier this month, a St. Louis County judge denied a motion to vacate the conviction and death sentence. That means unless a higher court or Governor Parson steps in, Williams will be put to death at the Bonne Terre on September 24th. If his death sentence is carried out, Williams will be Missouri’s third execution this year.
