Judge Considers Contaminated DNA in Execution Case

Marcellus Williams, a Missouri man on death row, faced a crucial hearing on Wednesday to determine if his conviction for the 1998 stabbing death of Lisha Gayle should be overturned. The heart of Williams’ argument centers on DNA evidence that was contaminated over two decades ago by officials in the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Jonathan Potts, an attorney for Williams, argued that the mishandling of the murder weapon “destroyed his last and best chance” to prove his innocence. However, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office maintains that other evidence points to Williams’ guilt. Earlier this year, DNA testing concluded that Williams’ DNA was not found on the murder weapon, but subsequent tests showed that the knife was mishandled to the extent that it would be impossible to identify the killer from the DNA on it.

Judge deliberates mishandled DNA evidence

During testimony, it was revealed that DNA from Edward Magee, an investigator for the prosecutor’s office, was found on the knife, and the original prosecutor, Keith Larner, testified that he touched the knife at least five times without gloves while preparing for trial. Prosecutors at Williams’ trial alleged that he broke into Gayle’s home, found a large butcher knife, and stabbed her 43 times.

They cited testimony from Williams’ girlfriend and a cellmate who claimed Williams confessed to the killing. Williams’ attorneys argued that both witnesses were convicted felons seeking a $10,000 reward. Potts also raised concerns about the racial composition of the trial jury, which included just one Black juror, while Williams is Black.

The fate of Marcellus Williams now hangs in the balance as Judge Bruce Hilton deliberates on the mishandled evidence and the broader implications of this long-standing case. If Hilton rules against Williams, his attorneys are expected to file more appeals and seek clemency from Governor Mike Parson.