KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The state of Missouri will execute Marcellus Williams on Tuesday for the 1998 murder of Felicia Gayle, despite efforts to exonerate the 55-year-old.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an attempt to intervene in the case. Going to the high court was Williams’ last chance to stay or stop his execution.

In Missouri, death row inmates have a handful of avenues to exonerate their convictions. Their legal team can file appeals and other legal challenges to the original conviction.

Williams spent years on this process.

In 2021, a new law in Missouri gave prosecutors the authority to refer previous cases to judges in an attempt to overturn convictions.

The St. Louis County District Attorney tried that path on Williams’ behalf. The case went to the Missouri Supreme Court, which denied the request Monday night.

Another way a prisoner can get off death row is through action by the governor. A stay delays an execution.

Governor Eric Greitens issued a reprieve for Williams in 2017.

The governor may also grant a prisoner a pardon, which may consist of a pardon, a reduction in sentence, or a reprieve.

Current Governor Mike Parson rejected Williams’ request for clemency on Monday.

Some lawmakers want to abolish the death penalty.

Rep. Richard Brown, a Kansas City-area Democrat, has repeatedly joined lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to sponsor bills to end the death penalty in Missouri. The proposals have never become law.

“I’m afraid we’re going to make that terrible mistake and put someone to death who didn’t actually commit the crime,” Brown said of his many reasons for opposing the death penalty.

In 2023, four inmates were executed in Missouri.

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KSHB 41 reporter Charlie Keegan covers politics on both sides of the state line. If you have a story idea to share, email Charlie at [email protected].