Imam Khalifa, also known as Marcellus Williams, was executed in Missouri despite widespread calls for a review of his conviction. His case drew attention due to allegations of wrongful conviction and new evidence suggesting contamination of the murder weapon. Khalifa's last poem, 'The Bewildering Smiles of Palestine’s Children,' expressed solidarity with Palestinian children amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His execution has sparked outrage among activists and human rights defenders, highlighting issues within the U.S. criminal justice system.
- Khalifa's execution on September 25, 2024, followed over two decades on death row for a murder conviction dating back to 1998. His legal team argued that DNA evidence did not match him, raising questions about the integrity of the original trial. Despite protests and a joint memorandum from the St. Louis County District Attorney advocating for a new hearing, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene, leading to a controversial execution that many believe underscores systemic flaws in capital punishment practices.
