Williams has repeatedly alleged innocence despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. None of the following fact-finding entities have been convinced of his innocence: (1) a jury of his peers at trial; (2) the Missouri Supreme Court during state habeas proceedings; (3) a Board of Inquiry; nor (4) the St. Louis County Circuit Court. The State proved that Williams is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt due to a litany of factors listed below:
- DNA technology and testing before trial did not examine “touch DNA," based on standard techniques and practices at the time. Additionally, subsequent DNA testing has never exonerated Williams.
- Williams has a robust criminal history, including 15 felony convictions in addition to offenses related to Ms. Gayle's murder: robbery (2), armed criminal action (2), assault (2), burglary (4), stealing (3), stealing a motor vehicle, and unlawful use of a weapon, which is all consistent with entering the home, attacking Ms. Gayle, and taking her items.
- Williams confessed the murder to his girlfriend soon after committing his horrific crime once his girlfriend found Ms. Gayle’s purse in Williams’ car, but he also threatened to kill her and her family if she told anyone, readily explaining why his girlfriend did not approach law enforcement until Williams was in custody.
- The girlfriend never requested the reward for information about Ms. Gayle’s murder, despite claims that she was only interested in money.
- When speaking with law enforcement, the jailhouse informant provided information about the crime that was not publicly available, yet consistent with crime scene evidence and Williams’ involvement.
- Other individuals were present when Williams bragged about this murder, and they were disclosed to Williams’ team before trial and have been discussed in subsequent proceedings.
- Gayle’s personal items were found in the trunk of Williams’ car.
- Williams sold Ms. Gayle’s husband’s laptop to another individual who later identified Williams as the seller.
Williams’ disrespect for others’ well-being and aversion to order have continued in prison, including attacking other inmates and threatening correctional officers.
