[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----MISSOURI

[Rick Halperin]

Jan. 22



MISSOURI----stay of impending execution

Supreme Court stays execution for man who fatally stabbed former Post-Dispatch 
reporter



The Missouri Supreme Court has issued a stay of execution for Marcellus 
Williams, who had been scheduled to die on Wednesday for the fatal stabbing of 
former Post-Dispatch reporter Lisha Gayle at her home in University City in 
1998.

Williams had argued that he was entitled to additional DNA testing. Although 
the state's high court did not say why the execution was delayed, it could 
provide more time for courts to consider his claim.

Williams killed Gayle, 42, at her home in the gated Ames Place neighborhood on 
Aug. 11, 1998. Williams was burglarizing the home when Gayle, who had been 
taking a shower, surprised him. He stabbed her repeatedly while she fought for 
her life.

A jury convicted Williams at a trial in 2001. He was sentenced to death by St. 
Louis County Circuit Judge Emmett M. O'Brien.

The judge also ordered Williams to serve consecutive terms of life in prison 
for robbery, 30 years for burglary and 30 years each for 2 weapons violations.

Before sentencing, Williams told the judge he lacked jurisdiction - that only 
God had that authority.

Gayle was a Post-Dispatch reporter from 1981-92. She left the paper to do 
volunteer social work with children and the poor.

(source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch)