Convicted for the fatal incident of journalist Felicia Gayle in 1998, Marcellus William’s wife and family remain away from the limelight, keeping their identity private.
On August 11, 1998, Felicia Gayle was found lifeless in her home, having suffered 40 fatal injuries during a daytime burglary.
Williams was later charged in 2001 for the same case based on the testimony of jailhouse informant Henry Cole and his then-girlfriend, Lara Asaro, who claimed he confessed to the offense.
However, physical evidence at the crime scene, including DNA and fingerprints, reportedly didn’t belong to Williams.
The family of Marcellus Williams supports his claim of Innocence
Even though Marcellus’s family maintains a low profile, they have expressed their unwavering support for his innocence and demanding closer examination.
In an Interview with KSDK News, Marcellus Williams Jr. said he expected a miracle to halt his 55-year-old father’s scheduled capital punishment.
He added his demand for the US Supreme Court, stating,
To see this is a murder on their behalf, and this is wrong. I believe my father is truly innocent and they need to take a closer look.
Moreover, the Williams family has concealed their identities, and no information about his wife is accessible online.
Despite this, they consistently demonstrate loyalty to him and persist in their fight for justice.
Too often folks like Marcellus Williams
— L E F T, PhD ⚫️ (@LeftSentThis) September 24, 2024
turn into a political talking point. But I want people to remember, he has a family. He has people who love him.
The person in this video is Marcellus Williams’s son.
In this short clip you are reminded that the death penalty doesn’t… pic.twitter.com/4hXTMbuJHN
Nevertheless, Marcellus Williams was executed on September 24, 2024, despite objections from the victim’s family and the prosecutor.
He lost his life due to a lethal injection at approximately 6 p.m. CT in Missouri after the US Supreme Court denied a stay.
Furthermore, Larry Komp, one of Williams’ attorneys, claimed that his client maintained his innocence until his death,
While he would readily admit to the wrongs he had done throughout his life, he never wavered in asserting his innocence of the crime for which he was put to death tonight
As the dust settles from this event, it surges as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the legal system.
The story of Marcellus Williams will further discuss our approach to justice and redemption.
Additional Information
- Williams’ last statement, witnessed on September 21, was “All Praise Be to Allah In Every Situation”.
- He became the 100th person to be executed at the state prison in Bonne Terre by Missouri since 1989.
- Williams had an extensive criminal record, had started serving a 20-year sentence for robbing a doughnut shop.
- For his last meal, Williams was served chicken wings and tater tots.