Today, June 12 2024, is Willie Manning’s birthday. He is now 56 years old. It is shocking to realize that this is the 30^th birthday that he has spent on death row.

A lot has happened since Willie’s last birthday. In September last year he filed significant new evidence that completely undermined the prosecutors’ case against him; this was a time of relief and even hope for Willie.

But then came the prosecution’s astonishing request for an execution date. As a result, Willie spent much of last November in the prison area where inmates are closely monitored prior to execution. This must have been extremely stressful for Willie: he had spent some days in that same area during the traumatic time in 2013 when he came within hours of being killed.

Willie was finally returned to his usual cell, following the Mississippi Supreme Court’s decision not to immediately set an execution date.

As his attorneys continue to work tirelessly to provide legal opposition to the prosecutors’ arguments, we know that Willie is in good hands. We hope that today he can focus on making today as enjoyable as he can.

We wish Willie a happy 56^th birthday.