Through his attorney, Willie extends his thanks to everyone who has supported him.

Death Row is a lonely and challenging place, where messages of support can mean the difference between keeping going and giving up. It has helped Willie enormously to know that there are people who care about him, and who have been thinking of him and praying for him.

On April 17^th he wrote in a letter,

“I know there are many who are thinking of me and wishing me well. I believe it’s all going to work out. I can feel it.”

According to the Associated Press, Willie was similarly optimistic just before the scheduled execution:

‘On Tuesday, Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps said Manning had expressed optimism to him and the guards outside his holding cell that the execution would be stopped.

“He said he had faith in God and all was in His hands. He said he had faith,” Epps said.’

 His supporters have had a role to play in maintaining his optimism; you can be sure that Willie’s thanks to them are heartfelt.

 Meanwhile Willie’s attorneys have stated that they plan to consult experts about further testing of hair and ballistics evidence, following the revelations of flawed testimony about both . If they can, the attorneys will press for a retrial, or for the DNA evidence to be examined using modern techniques. It is uncertain how long the stay of execution will last; it is the Mississippi Supreme Court that will decide this.

You can watch the video at Al Jazeera.