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Kristina Bumphrey / Contributor via Getty Images, Kristina Bumphrey / Contributor via Getty Images, and Prince Williams / Contributor via Getty Images
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Meek Mill, Toosii, and JT
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On Tuesday (Sept. 24), the state of Missouri proceeded with the execution of Marcellus Williams in relation to the 1998 homicide of former journalist Lisha Gayle, despite appeals from prosecutors, social media advocates, and the victim’s relatives to spare his life.
Williams was executed via lethal injection at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre, Missouri, around 6 p.m. local time. Prior to his execution, the 55-year-old Black man released a statement proclaiming, “All praise be to Allah in all circumstances!”
Reports indicate that Gayle was brutally stabbed at least 43 times, suffering 16 injuries to her head, neck, torso, and abdomen. Although Williams maintained his innocence, a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, burglary, armed criminal action, and robbery in 2001. According to the Innocence Project, the prosecution utilized peremptory challenges to exclude numerous qualified Black jurors from the selection process.
In response to his execution, multiple celebrities and activists have voiced their opinions. “Holding strong, never bending, we were at the pinnacle. Bound at the ankles, it felt like a nightmare,” Meek Mill remarked on Instagram, alluding to his 2015 song “Ambitionz.” The Philadelphia rapper included, “God bless his soul!”
“Rest in peace, Marcellus Williams. [Shaking my head at] this nation,” Toosii posted on Twitter. A different user on the platform stressed, “From Gaza to Marcellus Williams, the government has demonstrated that they remain indifferent regardless of how many petitions you sign [or] how often you voice your concerns. They do not care about your pleas.”
Roughly three hours before Williams was officially declared dead, JT encouraged her followers to reach out to Missouri Governor Mike Parson through calls, texts, and emails: Marcellus Williams is set for execution on Sept. 24 for a crime DNA evidence confirms he did not commit. Join me, [Innocence Project], and [the Midwest Innocence Project] in advocating against this irreversible injustice.”
Meek Mill has been a vigorous advocate for social justice over recent years. In July, he united with Solange Knowles, Nick Young, and Cardi B in demanding justice for Sonya Massey.