Board May Reconsider Clemency for Black Man who was Sexually Abused by the Men He Killed
Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 05:55PM As the date approaches for the scheduled execution of Terrance “Terry” Williams, who was sentenced to death in Pennsylvania for killing two men that he says sexually abused him, the state’s Board of Pardons voted unanimously today to “hold the case under advisement” in light of new evidence. The board had initially voted to deny clemency for Williams. It was expected that the board would make a final decision today, and the board did not indicate whether it would indeed hold a new vote before Williams’ Oct. 6 execution date.
Williams’ case is also under review by a Philadelphia judge, who heard new testimony last week on the alleged sexual abuse of Williams and said she would issue her decision Friday morning. Williams’ clemency petition was supported by 22 former prosecutors and judges, 34 law professors, 40 mental health professionals and more than 36 religious leaders. It was accompanied by a letter from 26 child advocates and sexual abuse experts who said the “evidence of abuse in this case is clear.” Even the widow of one of the victims submitted a letter asking that his life be spared.