Just over a week ago, the State of Missouri under Governor Parson and Attorney General Eric Schmitt wrongfully executed Ernest Johnson, ignoring the medicine and science that categorically proved he had an intellectual disability. As we continue to mourn Ernest, it is more urgent than ever to continue to fight for people like Ernest Johnson. The state executed Ernest in defiance of the United States Constitution under Atkins v Virginia (2002) and pleas of a broad coalition of supporters, including interfaith coalitions, clinical experts, human rights leaders, current and former politicians, and people like you. 

The criminal legal system was designed with inherent bias and has a long-standing rate of failure for individuals who are incarcerated, and the co-victims of horrific crimes. The death penalty system continues to incarcerate wrongfully convicted and innocent people, like Marcellus Williams. The system is incapable of justice as it was never created to protect those most vulnerable among us. These are the stories we tell. We meet with legislators, prosecutors, and individuals who wield the utmost power and encourage them to seek alternatives to committing murder in our names.

Take action in seeking true justice for people like Marcellus.

More people than ever recognize the atrocities of capital punishment and fight for a world without the death penalty. Our work makes a difference. Your signatures for Marcellus have made a difference. Because of you, international attention continues to be brought to the struggle to abolish the death penalty in Missouri. 

There are currently 19 people living under death sentences in Missouri, including Marcellus Williams. There will likely be several scheduled executions in Missouri in 2022, and we need your support now more than ever. Engage with us as we continue to share the stories of those sentenced to death in Missouri, and work toward a state without the death penalty.

Sincerely,

Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

P.S. To all who’ve signed Marcellus’s petition, and those who fought so hard for Ernest Johnson, thank you for listening to their stories, and thank you for your commitment to true justice.

Photography: Scott Langley