Judges consider death penalty case

(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.