A Legal Battle for Innocence

In a recent ruling, a St. Louis County judge upheld the murder conviction of Marcellus Williams, despite key evidence contamination. The decision, made by Circuit Court Judge Bruce Hilton, rejected Williams’s innocence claims, paving the way for his execution on September 24.

The case unfolded as a series of legal maneuvers, with Williams initially striking a deal for life in prison, only to have it challenged by the Attorney General’s office. The dispute centered around the mishandling of evidence, specifically a murder weapon, which could have proved Williams’s innocence.

While arguments were presented from both sides, the judge ultimately sided with the prosecutors, emphasizing their normal practices regarding evidence handling. Williams’s attorneys, including Tricia Rojo Bushnell from the Midwest Innocence Project, continue to fight for justice, pushing for relief through the courts and Governor Mike Parsons.

Despite setbacks and challenges, Williams’s legal team remains steadfast in their pursuit of exoneration, believing there is still time to prevent the tragic outcome of executing an innocent person.