Schwarzenegger denies clemency for Tookie Williams

Schwarzenegger denies clemency for Williams
- Mark Martin, Chronicle Staff Writer
Monday, December 12, 2005

Sacramento, 12:41 p.m. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger rejected Stanley "Tookie" Williams' plea for clemency Monday, setting the stage for a midnight execution of the four-time murderer who became an anti-gang crusader from Death Row.

After mulling over the decision for weeks and meeting with prosecutors and Williams' lawyers last Thursday, Schwarzenegger said in a written statement that "clemency cases are always difficult and this one is no exception.

"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."

Barring any last minute, longshot legal appeal, Williams will be given a lethal injection at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals also denied a petition for a stay of execution.

Convicted in 1981 for four shotgun murders during two robberies, Williams was the co-founder of the Crips street gang. In the last decade, however, Williams has published eight children's books warning against gangs and violence and has attempted to broker truces between gangs from his San Quentin State Prison cell.

Williams' clemency bid has garnered worldwide attention, and the governor's office has reported a major uptick and phone calls and letters on the issue in recent weeks.