Missouri death row inmate Marcellus Williams was executed for the 1998 murder of Lisha Gayle, a social worker stabbed 43 times during a burglary. Williams' final statement expressed peace with his fate, invoking Allah.
While state officials maintain his guilt, advocates claim his innocence. Evidence against Williams includes stolen items found in his possession and testimonies from a former girlfriend and cellmate.
However, no physical evidence at the crime scene linked Williams to the murder. Recent DNA testing revealed contamination on the murder weapon, raising doubts.
Despite calls for life imprisonment, Williams' extensive criminal history and a swift jury decision led to his death penalty. Efforts to change his sentence were unsuccessful, ultimately resulting in his execution.
Williams' case adds to the debate on the application of the death penalty in the U.S., with concerns over potential wrongful executions.
While no innocent person has been verified executed since 1972, there are cases, including Williams', where claims of innocence persist. The debate continues as the justice system grapples with ensuring fairness and accuracy in capital punishment cases.
