Marcellus Khaliifah Williams, a Missouri d*ath row inmate, was recently executed at the age of 55 on Tuesday, 24 September, for the 1998 homicide of Lisha Gayle.
Marcellus Williams Sr. was serving his sentence for over two decades behind bars in 1999 with the charge of first-degree homicide of Lisha Gayle, a social worker and former reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
His defense had previously claimed that they never found Williams’ DNA on the weapons but, in Monday’s statement, Governor Mike Parson accused Williams’ attorney of trying to muddy the waters about DNA evidence, stating, “Nothing from the real facts of this case have led me to believe in Mr. Williams’ innocence.“
Tonight, Missouri executed an innocent man.
— Innocence Project (@innocence) September 24, 2024
Our hearts are with Marcellus and his loved ones.https://t.co/ebCcFv0vWg pic.twitter.com/aSQxazoK9X
However, despite several innocence claims and appeals to stop the execution of Marcellus Williams, Missouri state prison executed him by giving a lethal injection recently.
This news probably has become a tragic moment for Marcellus Williams’ family members, but meanwhile, many’s attention appears to have shifted to his parents.
Meanwhile, very little information about his parents is available. However, it’s known that Marcellus Williams grew up in an unstable household where his parents abandoned and resented him.
Afterward, Marcellus Williams also suffered from brutal, violent abuse and was exposed to weapons, substances, and alcohol at a young age. Reports also stated that he was suffering from significant mental illnesses, including depression, substance and alcohol dependence, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Marcellus Williams’ had a great bond and positive relationship with his children!
Though Marcellus Williams grew up in an unstable environment and didn’t have a good bond with his parents, he was a great father to his son Marcellus Williams Jr and his stepdaughter.
Likewise, during the penalty phase of his homicide trial, Marcellus Williams’ attorney presented evidence that he was a caring and loving father and that his execution would have a significant effect on his family.
The defense also presented testimony from several of Williams’ family members and friends, including his son, his stepdaughter, mother, aunt, brothers, and others, in which they testified about his positive relationship with his son Marcellus Williams Jr. and stepdaughter.
My heart breaks hearing Marcellus Williams’ son talk about potentially having to watch his father executed today 💔 pic.twitter.com/YNl6WIxVts
— Angel Jones, PhD (@AngelJonesPhD) September 24, 2024
Similarly, the continued contact and visitation of his children while Williams served his sentence behind bars made them feel loved. Williams always encouraged them to read and do well in school.
Marcellus Williams’ also loved his father and always believed that he was an innocent man trying to stop the execution since 2018; he often shares about his father on his social media, stating how great a father he was to him.
Regarding Marcellus Williams’ son’s personal life, Marcellus Junior is an
In response to his father’s demise, many people are sharing their prayers with Marcellus Williams’ Jr., stating that losing a parent is never easy.
Additional Information
- Marcellus Wiliams was born in South Bend, Indiana, on December 30, 1968. Williams, his mother, and two brothers moved to St. Louis when he was 5 years old.
- His older brother, who was a father figure to him, passed away in 1997. In January 2024, Williams’ attorneys filed a motion to clear his conviction and sentence.
- During his time in prison, Marcellus Williams spent much of his time studying Islam and writing poetry. His final statement was, “All Praise Be To Allah In Every Situation!!!”
