Missouri Governor Eric Greitens issued a stay of execution hours before Marcellus Williams was scheduled for death by lethal injections. The move comes in light of new DNA evidence Williams’ lawyer says proves his innocence, CNN reports.
“A sentence of death is the ultimate, permanent punishment," Greitens said in a statement. "To carry out the death penalty, the people of Missouri must have confidence in the judgment of guilt. In light of new information, I am appointing a Board of Inquiry in this case."
The execution of Marcellus Williams, 48, had been scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
His attorneys said that DNA evidence unavailable during his 2001 trial proved his innocence.
Gov. Greitens also ordered the creation of a board that’d review the case and ultimately issue an official recommendation, according to KPLR 11 News.
“A sentence of death is the ultimate, permanent punishment. To carry out the death penalty, the people of Missouri must have confidence in the judgment of guilt. In light of new information, I am appointing a Board of Inquiry in this case,” said Governor Greitens.
The five members of the Board of Inquiry to be appointed by Governor Greitens will include retired Missouri judges. The Board shall have subpoena power over persons and things, pursuant to state law. At the close of its work, the Board will report and make a recommendation to the Governor as to whether or not Williams should be executed or his sentence of death commuted.
William’s lawyer Keith Gibson told Al Jazeera that they’re “very happy” with the results—and are hopeful for a just outcome. “We think it’s the right decision based on the new DNA evidence. We're ready to present all our evidence to the board of inquiry and we are fairly confident that this is going to end well for Marcellus."