We are deeply saddened to learn of the murder of Marcellus "Khaliifah" Williams, an innocent man who was killed by the state of Missouri for a crime he did not commit. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

Williams was convicted of the 1998 murder of Lisha Gayle, a social worker and former St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter. He was accused of breaking into Gayle’s home, stabbing her to death, and stealing several of her belongings.

There was no forensic evidence linking Williams to the murder weapon or crime scene. Local prosecutors have renounced his conviction, and the victim’s family and several trial jurors oppose his execution.