Partner Jonathan B. Potts Quoted in National Coverage of High-Profile Death Row Case

BCLP Partner Jonathan B. Potts has been quoted in major national outlets including the New York Times, ABC News, CNN, News 7 Boston, Kansas City News and NPR, Kiro 7 News Seattle, and KMZU 100.7 regarding client Marcellus Williams, a death row inmate who has consistently maintained his innocence in the 1998 murder of Felicia Gayle.

Recently, a Missouri judge held an evidentiary hearing, prompted by the state Supreme court, to examine Williams’ innocence claim, which has been severely compromised by mishandled DNA evidence. Despite a motion from the St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to vacate William’ conviction based on DNA analysis excluding him as the killer, the hearing was derailed when new testing revealed that the murder weapon had been contaminated by multiple actors, including law enforcement.

During the hearing, Jonathan argued, “This mishandling is devastating for Williams as it complicates his last and best chance to prove his innocence.” The case, which underscores the risks inherent in capital punishment, has garnered significant national attention as William’s execution date approaches.

In addition to Jonathan, Williams’ innocence claim is championed by attorneys for the Innocence Project and the Midwest Innocence Project— with whom BCLP has a longstanding partnership, together advocating for wrongfully convicted individuals across the nation.