Marcellus Williams Executed Despite Family’s Objections In 1998 Stabbing Case

Marcellus Williams, 55, was executed in Missouri on Sept. 24 for the 1998 stabbing death of Lisha Gayle, despite efforts by the victim’s family and the prosecutor to commute his death sentence to life in prison. Williams, convicted of breaking into Gayle’s suburban St. Louis home and stabbing her 43 times, maintained his innocence throughout his legal battle. Williams’ attorneys argued for clemency, highlighting racial bias in jury selection and mishandling of evidence. They pointed out that the victim’s family had long supported commuting his sentence to life without parole....