Marcellus Williams' lawyer focused on what he said was a prosecutor's admission that he illegally struck at least one juror because of his race in the original trial.

Lawyers for Marcellus Williams, who maintains his innocence, argued Monday the execution should be halted over the exclusion of a potential Black juror.

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.