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Biden Has 65 Days Left in Office. Here’s What He Can Do on Criminal Justice.

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Judicial appointments and the death penalty are among areas where a lame-duck administration can still leave a mark. Donald Trump’s second presidential term will begin on Jan. 20, bringing with it promises to dramatically reshape many aspects of the criminal justice system. The U.S. Senate — with its authority over confirming judicial nominees — will also shift from Democratic to Republican control.
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Missouri court hearing this week about new DNA evidence in death penalty case

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(Jefferson City, MO) – A St. Louis County Court is scheduled to hear about new DNA evidence this week involving a prisoner who could be executed next month.

The case involves Marcellus Williams, who was convicted in the 1998 stabbing death of Felisha Gayle, a former social worker and newspaper reporter.

Last January, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell filed a motion to vacate Williams’ conviction. 

The motion was filed as a result of a 2021 Missouri law which allows prosecutors to seek to vacate a conviction they believe was made in error.

Bell said forensic evidence found at the crime scene does not match Williams. 

Williams has maintained his innocence.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey has argued that evidence presented at trial shows Williams is guilty of killing Gayle.

This week’s hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Judge Bruce Hilton is presiding over the hearing.

Williams is scheduled to be put to death on September 24th.

Source: missourinet.com, Staff, August 19, 2024

_____________________________________________________________________








"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."

— Oscar Wilde



Location: Missouri, USA
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