Here are the facts of the case:
"Stanley Tookie Williams and 3 companions began searching for a business to rob after finding themselves short of cash while driving to Pomona. They first entered an all-night market, but when one of the conspirators lost his nerve, the plan was abandoned. Williams then selected another target, the 7-11 on Whittier Blvd., where the night-clerk, Albert Lewis Owens, MW/26, was ordered into the cold box by Williams who was armed with a 12 gage shotgun. While Williams’ companions were helping themselves to the contents of the cash register (Approximately $60), Owens was heard begging for his life. Williams was shot twice in the back by Williams, who then fired a third shot into the video surveillance system. Owens’ body was found by customers who entered the store some time after the shooting.
Stanley Tookie Williams and 1 companion entered the motel, a small family-run business, and forced their way into the living quarters of Tsai-Shen Yang, FO/63, her husband Yen-Yi Yang, MO/63, and their daughter Ye-Chen Lin, FO/43. Armed with a 12 gage shotgun, Williams shot Tsai once in the upper body, and once in the base of her spine, killing her instantly. Yen-Yi was shot twice in the upper body, and Ye-Chin was shot once in the head. Both father and daughter died within hours at local hospitals. Williams and his companion took what cash they could find (Estimated at $50-$100) before fleeing.
Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives Jack Fueglein and Barry Jones were assigned the case in Pico Rivera, and Sergeant Gene Hetzel and Detective James Solar were assigned the triple-murder at the motel. The fact that Williams had killed 4 innocent people in 12 days apparently shocked even associates of the killer as numerous tips were received from the community. The shotgun was recovered and was matched ballistically to both murders. The detectives utilized their inter-personal skills to obtain information and cooperation from witnesses, including some of Williams’ co-conspirators, who stated that Williams told them that he never permitted robbery victims to live to become witnesses against him. Williams, who is the co-founder of the Crips Street Gang, was found guilty of the four murders, and lesser included offenses, and was given the death penalty. He is now in his early 50's, and resides on Death Row in San Quentin State Prison.
In the 26 years that have passed since Williams was sentenced to death, he has attained some fame as the author of a series of children’s books in which he advises against gangster-life. He authored an autobiography that has been made into a motion picture, and he has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.Tookie has become a “poster-boy” of sorts for activists who are opposed to the death penalty, and others who maintain that he has changed and is rehabilitated. On his webpage, Tookie offers apologies to the families of those who have followed the street-gang lifestyle, that he pioneered, and who have suffered the consequences. He does not apologize to the families of those who he slaughtered in February and March 1979, and he maintains that he had no involvement in their deaths. In early 2005, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, upheld his convictions and sentence. He has made further appeals to the United States Supreme Court."
The arguments over the impending death of Tookie are reaching a fever pitch.
The anti-death penalty crowd is making the case that this man has paid for his crimes and the work he’s done for kids and peace since he’s been incarcerated should trump said crimes. The point to his many children’s books telling kids not to join gangs and his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The other side sees a monster that brutally murdered four people and destroyed thousands of lives through his co-founding the crips gang and the more than 250 offshoot gangs. They also note that Tookie has never admitted his guilt or showed any kind of remorse for the murders.
We here in California have the death penalty for a reason. When put to a vote the citizens at the time thought it worked effectively as a deterrent to high crime. Now that point can be debated until the end of time but the fact remains in California if you murder you may face this punishment. Call me a an insensitive Neanderthal with a heart of stone but I for one don’t feel a bit sorry for you!
