Supporters of death row
inmate Stanley "Tookie" Williams made a last-minute pitch to petition
the California Supreme Court spare his life but yesterday, California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger refused to grant Williams clemency and Williams died by
lethal injection this morning (Dec. 13).
"Clemency
cases are always difficult, and this one is no exception," Schwarzenegger
said. "After studying the evidence, searching the history, listening to
the arguments and wrestling with the profound consequences, I could find no
justification for granting clemency. The facts do not justify overturning the
jury’s verdict or the decisions of the courts in this case."
Williams was convicted
of murdernig four people in 1979.
On Sunday, Williams’s supporters
stated that a man who could help prove Williams’s innocence had recently come
forward.
They recorded and
forwarded the alleged witness statements to Governor Schwarzenegger’s office
for his review, but without success.
The former Crips
gang co-founder died by lethal injection at San Quentin state prison north of
San Francisco just after midnight, after serving 24 years on death row.
Williams, a Nobel Peace
prize nominated author, maintained his innocence and continuously petitioned
the California Supreme Court to reopen his case.
Williams’
case garnered national attention and celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Bianca Jagger,
The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Judge Greg Mathis and Daz Dillinger
came forward to support him.
Snoop, who met with Williams
last week, spoke to AllHipHop.com about Williams’ disposition.
“He was upbeat.
I think he’s a great man, I think he’s a peacemaker, a strong individual,”
Snoop told AllHipHop.com. “I think all the great things he’s doing
with the kids in terms of the books is a reflection of the type of person that
he is. He’s a changed man, he’s a redeemed man.”
