Missouri Supreme Court Orders New Hearing in Death Row Case

The Missouri Supreme Court ordered a trial court judge to revisit a judgment allowing Marcellus Williams, a man sentenced to death for a 1998 murder, to instead serve life in prison. The Supreme Court mandated an evidentiary hearing first, highlighting the need to consider new DNA evidence that could impact the case.

The Missouri Supreme Court has mandated a trial court judge to reassess a ruling that permitted a death row inmate, Marcellus Williams, to serve life in prison instead. Williams, convicted of a 1998 murder, was granted this adjustment by Judge Bruce Hilton, based on an agreement with county prosecutors.

Williams had been slated for execution next month but has claimed his innocence. Prosecutors in St. Louis County indicated that DNA evidence from the murder weapon did not match Williams, leading Hilton to allow Williams to enter an 'Alford plea' for a first-degree murder charge, resulting in a life sentence.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey opposed this decision, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene and call for an evidentiary hearing on Aug. 28. The hearing will permit Bailey to present evidence he asserts connects Williams to the crime. The St. Louis County prosecutor's office intends to uphold its agreement with Williams and the Alford plea.

(With inputs from agencies.)