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Mamie Norwood also provided an affidavit. She's the victim's 75-year old widow. She wants justice, not vengeance, saying:
"I have come to forgive Mr. Williams. It has taken me many years. I want his life spared, and I do not want him executed. I am at peace with my decision, and I hope and pray that my wishes will be respected."
The clemency petition provided graphic details of childhood rape and abuse. Raised in poverty and chaos, Williams had a physically abusive mother.
At age six, he was raped by an older boy. One of his teachers wooed him with food, clothes, a bicycle, and rides to schools. He later began raping him.
As a teenager, so did two older men. They used their influence as a church leader and sports booster for easy access to young boys.
Williams' attorney didn't meet with him until the day before trial. He didn't investigate facts in the case. He never told jurors how he was repeatedly abused. Several now say if they knew the whole truth, they would have voted for life imprisonment, not death.
Five pardons board members considered Williams' plea. They voted three to two for clemency. State law requires unanimity. In a September 18 letter, his lawyers asked for reconsideration.
At issue is how Assistant District Attorney Thomas Dolgenos answered a question posed by pardons board member Harris Gubernick.
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