The Mississippi Supreme Court has rejected the most recent appeal for a man who has been on death row for three decades for the murder of two college students. The ruling paves the way for potential execution of Willie Jerome Manning, although his legal team plans to pursue a rehearing. Manning, now 56, was convicted in 1994 for the killings that took place in December 1992.
Manning’s attorneys have continuously filed appeals since his conviction, citing various reasons such as the recantation of key witnesses and debunked forensic evidence. With the majority of justices denying Manning’s request for a trial court hearing, his attorney, Krissy Nobile, asserts that there is no evidence linking Manning to the murders. The defense claims that witness recantations, including one who admitted to receiving payment for false testimony, cast serious doubts on Manning’s guilt.
Chief Justice Michael Randolph stated that Manning has already received ample justice, while emphasizing the importance of finality in legal proceedings. However, Nobile questions the notion of justice if an innocent person is put to death. Justice James Kitchens dissented, criticizing the court for overstepping its bounds by making factual determinations that should be handled by lower courts.
Manning has consistently professed his innocence and has been advocating for a reexamination of the evidence in his case. One of the key points in the latest appeal was the witness Earl Jordan’s desire to recant his earlier testimony, claiming it was false and made under pressure to receive favorable treatment from the then-sheriff of Oktibbeha County.
Despite efforts to delay Manning’s execution, including requests for further testing of evidence, the Mississippi Supreme Court upheld previous rulings denying further examination of the case materials. Manning’s legal team continues to fight for a fair hearing and the opportunity to present the new evidence they argue supports his innocence.
