Mississippi Death Row Inmate Accused of Murdering Two MSU Students Denied Appeal

A man on death row for 30 years for killing two college students has been denied an appeal by the Mississippi Supreme Court, clearing the way for an execution date.

Willie Jerome ManningPhoto byMS Dept of Corrections

Willie Jerome Manning was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in Oktibbeha County in 1994 for the murders of MSU students Jon Steckler and Tiffany Miller, whose belongings Miller attempted sell after their bodies were found in rural Oktibbeha County, leading to his arrest.

Manning's attorneys have filed several appeals since his conviction.

According to Krissy Nobile, who is Manning’s counsel and also the director of the Mississippi Office of Capital Post-Conviction Counsel, there is “newly discovered evidence with the recantation of several key witnesses."

One of the witnesses, she says, was paid $17,500 for fraudulent testimony. Additionally, Nobile also said that there is no physical evidence that links Manning to the murder.

Manning has maintained his innocence.