Save Marcellus Williams
In two days, on September 24, the state of Missouri plans to execute Marcellus Williams for a crime he did not commit. After serving nearly 24 years, Williams only has two days left for us to save his life and demand Gov. Mike Parson not to allow Missouri to take an innocent man’s life.
According to the Innocence Project:
“Last week, after previously accepting an Alford plea that was subsequently blocked by the Missouri Supreme Court, St. Louis County Judge Bruce Hilton denied the request to vacate Marcellus’ conviction and death sentence, despite the prosecutor’s admission that the previous administration committed constitutional errors in his case. We need everyone’s help to call on Gov. Mike Parson to stop Missouri from killing an innocent man.
Earlier, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell filed a motion to vacate Marcellus’ conviction because he believed forensic evidence excluded Marcellus from the crime.
Then, at an Aug. 28 evidentiary hearing, his office admitted that the prior administration had committed constitutional errors that contributed to Marcellus’ unreliable conviction and death sentence, including improperly handling the evidence in his case.
Now, Judge Hilton has denied PA Bell’s motion to vacate Marcellus’ conviction and death sentence, and the Missouri Supreme Court is moving forward with the Sept. 24 execution date.”
Innocence Project also stated that “The State destroyed or corrupted the evidence that could conclusively prove his innocence, and the available DNA and other forensic crime-scene evidence does not match him. There is far too much uncertainty in this case to allow Mr. Williams to be executed, particularly when the victim’s family believes life without parole is the appropriate sentence. …With the weight of this new evidence and the unreliability of the witnesses who testified against Mr. Williams, his conviction must be reevaluated to ensure that justice is truly served.”
Learn more about this case here.
#GetinMotion to Save Marcellus Williams
While the main goal is to eventually free Marcellus Williams and exonerate him for a crime he didn’t commit, the more urgent matter at hand is to save his life and stop the planned execution. And though the clock is ticking, it’s not too late to act!
We must collectively speak up and demand that Governor Parson exercise his authority to at least stay the execution and allow the resolution of appeals or grant clemency and commute Marcellus Williams’ sentence to life without parole.
Actions to Complete Right Now
Since the state offices are closed on Sundays, today, help out by visiting the social press kit to Save Marcellus Williams. There, you’ll find info about the case and actions to share about stopping the execution, a petition to sign, and more.
There are also templates for various platforms to post calls to action!
URGENT TO DO on 9/23 – Call Gov. Parson Monday morning and urge him to stop the execution before it’s too late: 417-373-3400
Call script:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am calling regarding the impending execution of Marcellus Williams.
Please do not let Missouri execute Marcellus, an innocent person — where there is overwhelming evidence that his trial was constitutionally unfair — on Sept. 24.
Missouri should not commit the irreparable injustice of executing an innocent person.
Follow the Accounts Leading the Calls to Action
Follow the Innocence Project on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok; the Midwest Innocence Project on Instagram and Facebook; and Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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