Willie Jerome Manning, who has been on death row for 30 years following his 1994 conviction for the murders of Jon Steckler and Tiffany Miller, faced another setback with the Mississippi Supreme Court’s recent decision.
The court denied his appeal, potentially clearing the way for his execution.
Manning’s legal team, however, plans to seek a rehearing, arguing that there is new evidence including witness recantations and debunked forensic science that could exonerate him.
Manning’s case has been marked by controversy, with his defense highlighting a key witness’s recantation of his testimony and claims of fabricated evidence.
Despite these claims, the majority opinion of the court emphasized the importance of finality in justice for the victims and their families.
The dissenting justices argued that the trial court should hold a hearing to review the recantation and other evidence.
The case has been further complicated by past issues with forensic testimony and procedural challenges in reviewing evidence.