Willie Francis was born on January 12, 1929, in Saint Martinville, Louisiana. 

In 1944, Andrew Thomas, a pharmacist in St. Martinville, Louisiana, was murdered. His case remained unsolved until August 1945, when Willie Francis was arrested in Texas. The police suspected him of drug trafficking. They claimed he had Thomas' wallet with him, but no evidence for this was provided at trial.

During interrogation, Francis confessed to the murder, stating, "It was a secret about me and him." He did not have a lawyer present during this confession. The police dismissed Francis' claims that others were involved in the crime. He confessed again, stating he had taken the gun used in the murder from August Fuselier, a local deputy who had previously threatened Thomas. However, important evidence, including the gun and bullets, vanished before the trial.

Despite making two written confessions, Francis pleaded not guilty. His defense team did not present any arguments or witnesses during the trial. The jury, comprised entirely of white members, found him guilty. The judge sentenced him to death, even though he was only 15 at the time of the crime.

On May 3, 1946, Francis faced execution in the electric chair. The execution was botched. Witnesses claimed he screamed for help during the process. The chair was known as "Gruesome Gertie" and had been set up incorrectly due to the actions of a drunken guard. This occurrence led to significant public outcry.

Later, attorney Bertrand DeBlanc took on Francis's case, arguing that it was cruel and unusual punishment to have him executed again after the failed attempt. DeBlanc argued Francis' case before the U.S. Supreme Court, but the court rejected the appeal. Francis did not want to pursue a second trial when suggested.

On May 9, 1947, Francis was executed again in the electric chair. Days before, he spoke to a reporter, indicating he was ready to face death. He was pronounced dead at 12:10 p.m. Central Time.