Father of Pro Boxer Has Death Sentence Vacated, As Fight for Freedom Continues

Marcellus Williams Sr., father of pro boxer “The Boxing Goon” Marcellus Williams Jr., was scheduled for execution by the state of Missouri on September 24 for a crime DNA evidence says he did not commit.

Today, the Williams family received a glimmer of hope as Marcellus Sr.’s death sentence was officially vacated.

However, their victory was bittersweet. Despite the reprieve, Williams Sr. is not yet free to return home. The St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that they have reached a deal with Williams to enter an Alford plea—a legal maneuver where a defendant maintains their innocence but acknowledges that there is enough evidence for a conviction.

Williams is expected to be resentenced to life without parole under a consent judgment reached Wednesday, just over a month before he was scheduled to be put to death for the 1998 murder of Felicia Gayle—a crime he vehemently denies committing.

“Under this agreement and in accordance with Missouri law, we anticipate Williams will be sentenced by the court to a term of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole,” the St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said in a press release. Williams’ sentencing is scheduled for Thursday morning.

In a separate statement, released to the media, Williams’ attorneys reiterated their client’s innocence, stating, “Nothing about today’s plea agreement changes that fact.” Williams is being represented by The Innocence Project.

The journey to this point has been a long and arduous one. In 2015, new DNA testing was conducted on the knife used in the murder, revealing DNA that did not match Williams. This crucial piece evidence casted significant doubt on Williams’ guilt, serving as an impetus to review the case.

While the vacating of Marcellus Williams Sr.‘s death sentence is a significant step toward justice, the fight is far from over. “While ensuring that Mr. Williams will remain alive as we continue to pursue new evidence to prove, once and for all, that he is innocent,” said Tricia Rojo Bushnell, one of Williams’ attorneys.

For his son, Williams Jr., the battle continues, as he stands by his father’s side, determined to clear his name and secure his freedom.