Clarence Ray Allen, or Running Bear, as he was known to the Oklahoma Choctaws, has been executed by the state of California, just minutes after the end of his 76th birthday. Just two days before the execution date, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his decision to not grant clemency to Clarence Ray Allen. Allen's lawyers unsuccessfully petitioned the US Supreme Court to stop the execution based on the argument it would be cruel and unusual punishment because of the inmate's physical condition. Allen was blind and partially deaf, and had used a wheelchair since he had been revived after a 2005 heart attack, according to prison officials.

A day of action to protest the execution of Clarence Ray Allen was held on Monday, January 16th. The day began with a Walk for Abolition from San Francisco to San Quentin Prison. Protests were also held in Sacramento, Fresno, Palo Alto, Berkeley, San Rafael, El Cerrito, and many other cities in California. Some 500 people attended the vigil that took place at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County on Monday night. Bright Path video streamed live from the vigil for several hours. Reports from the vigil and the execution were broadcast on KPFA Radio. Photos From The VIgil

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