Willie Jerome Manning has remained on death row in Mississippi since November 1994, consistently proclaiming his innocence. Throughout 2023, his case has experienced notable ups and downs. Manning's legal representatives are vigorously contesting the state's attempts to schedule his execution, steadfast in their stance that he faces capital punishment for a crime he did not commit. As of November 30, 2023, the Mississippi Supreme Court has mandated a hold on the state's request to schedule an execution date for Willie Jerome Manning. This decision is pending the court's review of a recently submitted petition.
The petition presents new evidence that should exonerate Manning. In reaction to the Attorney General's motion to set an execution date, Mr. Manning's defense team has applied for post-conviction relief. This is part of a continuous effort to reverse his conviction in a 1992 double murder case. The decision on whether to set an execution date for Willie Manning has been delayed, with a particular focus on DNA testing. This aspect of the case is pivotal as it would bring forth new evidence relevant to Manning's claims of innocence. Overall, the situation is complex and ongoing, with the legal process still in motion as Manning's defense seeks to prove his innocence and overturn the unjust conviction.
Willie Jerome Manning "Is Sentenced To Die For A Crime He Did Not Commit" His Attorneys Say, As They Fight State Efforts To Set An Execution Date. According to Mississippi Today "Krissy Nobile, Manning’s attorney and the director of the Mississippi Office of Capital Post-Conviction Counsel, said Manning’s defense team petitioned in September for post-conviction relief based on newly discovered evidence and scientific developments undermining Manning’s conviction.” Attorneys submitted the petition days before the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to have evidence in the case tested at a specialized laboratory. The state has not responded to that petition or considered the evidence, Nobile said. The State instead is steamrolling toward execution even though there is compelling evidence that Manning may in fact, be innocent,” Nobile said.
“Executions are not the place to act first and ask questions later.”
Call Mississippi Attorney General's office and ask Attorney General Lynn Fitch to consider the new evidence which would exonerate Mr. Manning: (601) 359-3680 Call right now and leave a voice message.