Father of Pro Boxer To Be Executed For Crime He Didn’t Commit

In a harrowing tale of justice gone awry, Marcellus Williams Sr. faces execution by the state of Missouri on September 24 for a crime he did not commit. This grievous error has not only cost him years of his life but also profoundly affected his family, particularly his son, Marcellus Williams Jr., a promising heavyweight boxing prospect. Known affectionately as “The Boxing Goon,” Williams Jr. has been forced to trade his gloves in the ring for those in the fight for his father’s freedom.

The case against Marcellus Williams Sr. began in 1998 when Felicia Gayle, a former St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter, was brutally murdered in her home. Williams Sr. was arrested and charged with the crime. The evidence against him was largely circumstantial, relying heavily on the testimonies of individuals with questionable credibility and incentives to testify against him.

Despite the shaky foundation of the prosecution’s case, Williams Sr. was convicted in 2001 and sentenced to death. Throughout the trial and subsequent appeals, Williams maintained his innocence. His defense argued that the evidence was insufficient and that Williams was being wrongfully targeted.

In 2015, new DNA testing was conducted on the knife used in the murder, revealing DNA that did not match Williams. This crucial evidence cast significant doubt on his conviction. In 2017, then-Governor Eric Greitens issued a stay of execution and appointed a board to review the case.

Despite this, Williams remains on death row, and the board has yet to reach a conclusion. The persistence of his wrongful conviction has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for justice, spearheaded by his son and a team of dedicated advocates.

Marcellus Williams Jr., a rising star in the American boxing scene, has been forced to put his promising career on hold to fight for his father’s life. With a record of 5-0, all victories by knockout, Williams Jr. was seen as a potential successor to former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. He had trained alongside boxing elites such as Floyd Mayweather, Gervonta Davis, Errol Spence Jr., and Caleb Plant, showcasing his talent and determination.

However, in 2021, Williams Jr. made the difficult decision to step away from the sport to focus on his father’s case. His journey from the ring to advocacy has been marked by unwavering dedication and resilience. “The Boxing Goon” has channeled his fighting spirit into the battle for justice, determined to secure his father’s freedom.

Williams Jr.‘s fight outside the ring has found him new allies in the form of Barry Scheck’s Innocence Project. This renowned organization, dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA evidence, has provided invaluable support in the quest to prove Marcellus Williams Sr.’s innocence.

The DNA evidence uncovered by the Innocence Project clearly demonstrates that Williams Sr. did not commit the crime for which he was convicted. Despite this, the legal system has been slow to act. Williams Jr. and his supporters continue to press for the conviction to be vacated, highlighting the flaws in the justice system and the urgent need for reform.

As the scheduled execution date looms, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Marcellus Williams Sr. remains on death row, an innocent man facing the ultimate punishment for a crime he did not commit. His son’s tireless efforts to secure his freedom reflect a deep bond and a commitment to justice that transcends the boxing ring. A hearing has been scheduled for August 21 to possibly vacate the conviction. This is the last chance for justice to finally be served and Marcellus Williams Sr. to be set free for a crime he did not commit. On Friday, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the execution plans for Marcellus Williams will move forward, even as a prosecutor works to overturn his 1998 murder conviction.

The case of Marcellus Williams Sr. underscores the critical importance of DNA evidence in the pursuit of justice and the need for a legal system that is responsive to new evidence. It also highlights the human cost of wrongful convictions, not only for the individuals directly affected but also for their families and communities.

As the clock ticks down to September 24, the world watches and waits, hoping for a last-minute reprieve that will prevent a tragic miscarriage of justice. Marcellus Williams Jr., once a beacon of hope in the boxing world, now stands as a symbol of resilience and the relentless pursuit of justice. His fight for his father’s freedom is a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of redemption.

Sign and share the petition here:

🔗https://www.change.org/p/mike-parson-do-not-execute-marcellus-williams

Text “Marcellus” to 97016 to join the team.