Social media users are reacting to the recent execution of an inmate named Marcellus Williams. As The Shade Room previously reported, Williams was an inmate in Missouri, found guilty of a 1998 murder.
In recent years, the family of Williams’ alleged victim, Felicia Gayle, reportedly called for his life to be spared.
More Details About The Conviction Of Marcellus Williams & Calls For His Execution To Be Halted
As The Shade Room previously reported, Williams was found guilty of the crime in 2001. Despite this, Williams reportedly maintained his innocence. Additionally, his trial was reportedly marked by “constitutional errors,” “unreliable informant testimony,” and DNA evidence that did not match his own. Per AP News, Gayle’s family wanted Williams’ death sentence changed to life in prison.
“The family defines closure as Marcellus being allowed to live,” their petition reportedly stated. “Marcellus’ execution is not necessary.”
Additionally, William’s son — his junior — spoke about his dad’s pending fate in a video interview with NBC News, which was shared publicly on Monday, September 23. During the conversation, Marcellus Williams Jr. shared that he was hoping for a “miracle” ahead of his dad’s fate.
The Execution Proceeds & Social Media Reacts
According to AP News, Williams’ execution took place on Tuesday, September 24, at a state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri.
“We hope this gives finality to a case that’s languished for decades, re-victimizing Ms. Gayle’s family for decades,” Governor Mike Parson reportedly asserted in a statement, per CNN. “No juror no judge has ever found Williams’ innocence claim to be credible. Two decades of judicial proceedings and more than 15 judicial hearings upheld his guilty conviction. Thus the order of execution has been carried out.”
Per AP News, the 55-year-old spoke with a spiritual advisor as the ordeal commenced. Additionally, the outlet noted that his son was present along with his attorneys.
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Per the outlet, the Department of Corrections released a copy of Williams’ final statement ahead of his passing.
“All Praise Be to Allah In Every Situation!!!” he reportedly wrote.
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Social media users reacted to the execution of Williams in The Shade Room’s comment section.
Instagram user @8ct.avia wrote, “So who exactly got Justice if the family was calling for his life to be spared?”
While Instagram user @sylvester_danielle_ added, “DNA should have exonerated this man…”
Instagram user @nyny_irene wrote, “I internalize these type of situations because it is so sad that they are able to just take innocent black men like it’s nothing literally this brings me to tears. May his soul fly high.🕊️”
While Instagram user @ohthts.chang added, “So if there is DNA evidence saying he didn’t do the crime, why are they still executing him? I’m not understanding this.”
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Instagram user @ingylovetough wrote, “MISSOURI, y’all know what to do! No justice no peace ☔️”
While Instagram user @imitationbyjerell added, “This is why voting in LOCAL elections matter just as much. You’re voting for D.A.s, judges, and other officials that could’ve made a different outcome. But these people continue to keep their jobs for years because we don’t think it matters. It does.”
Instagram user @sevyn.xx wrote, “When we rioting??”
While Instagram user @ale.rennelle added, “HER family asked to spare his life and they still took it😔😔”
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The NAACP Reacts & Outpours Of Thoughts Continue On X
As The Shade Room previously reported, the NAACP called for Williams’ stay of execution. On Tuesday, September 24, the organization took to X to share a firm message in reaction to his death.
“Tonight, Missouri lynched another innocent Black man. Governor Parson had the responsibility to save this innocent life, and he didn’t,” the organization’s tweet reads. “The NAACP was founded in 1909 in response to the barbaric lynching of Black people in America — we were founded exactly because of people like Governor Parson who perpetuate violence against innocent Black people. We will hold Governor Parson accountable. When DNA evidence proves innocence, capital punishment is not justice—it is murder. #MarcellusWilliams”
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See more reactions from users on X by scrolling below:
