The Missouri Supreme Court and Republican Gov. Mike Parson have rejected requests to halt Williams' execution.

Bonne Terre, a city in Francois County about 60 miles southwest of St. Louis. Williams was convicted of first-degree murder for the slaying of 42-year-old Lisha Gayle, a former reporter for the St.

But when Gov. Michael Parsons took office in 2017, the Republican “abruptly terminated the process,” just putting the 55-year-old back on death row. Williams’ attorneys argue that the governor’s decision violates William’s constitutional rights.