A Missouri judge has upheld the conviction of Marcellus Williams, a death row inmate scheduled for execution on September 24, despite new DNA evidence suggesting mishandling of the murder weapon could exonerate him. St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton ruled that all of Williams' claims of trial errors had been rejected by Missouri courts, concluding there was no substantial evidence of his innocence. The evidence in question included a DNA report that excluded Williams as the killer but did not point to another suspect, complicating his defense. Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell had previously filed a motion to vacate the conviction due to the new findings, but the court found that vacatur was not warranted under Missouri law. Williams' legal team plans to seek clemency from Governor Mike Parson and may pursue further appeals. The case has drawn national attention, raising concerns about the fairness of the original trial and the reliability of forensic evidence used against Williams.