Oh Cry me a river!!!

[chonsigirl]

Stand up to them Arnold, and give him no clemency!

[lady cop]

he's a piece of crap. hang him high.

[lady cop]

...

[lady cop]

the governor is giving him a clemency hearing dec. 8. due to pressure from bleeding-heart celebs.

[lady cop]

and jesse jackson makes me want to stuff a cactus in his mouth.

[nvalleyvee]

Scrat wrote: Just an afterthought but I don't think that the saying "Don't worry, you're not a total loser. You can still serve as a bad example" applies here. Let him serve as a good example on primetime for the little Crip kiddies.


Thank you.

[DesignerGal]

9584: The number of gang related homicides from 1979-1998.

courtesey of: www.streetgangs.com/homicides/homicidetable.html

This man is repsonsible for all of these murders in some way. He was a FOUNDER of a gang that is so huge it covers 88 incorporated sites and many more unincorporated places. There are 274 current Crips gangs in 17 cities. This man is responsible for all of the crooked dirty $hit they do.

[ComfortablyNumb]

Blood in Blood out.

Once a Crip always a Crip. I'm happy that he's turned his life around, or has he? I've seen no public denouncement of gangs or thug life. Regardless of the homicides he himself has committed he must bear some responsibility for setting up the model that has led to the deaths of countless others. He still seems to be a totally antisocial personality.

Commute the sentence but let a condition be a real confession of all Crip activites, Then let the other gang members beat him out.

[DesignerGal]

ComfortablyNumb wrote: Blood in Blood out.

Once a Crip always a Crip. I'm happy that he's turned his life around, or has he? I've seen no public denouncement of gangs or thug life. Regardless of the homicides he himself has committed he must bear some responsibility for setting up the model that has led to the deaths of countless others. He still seems to be a totally antisocial personality.

Commute the sentence but let a condition be a real confession of all Crip activites, Then let the other gang members beat him out.


He has denounced gangs and gang violence. You can actually read his Clemency petition at www.tookie.com

I agree that he is responsible and should pay for it.

[ComfortablyNumb]

Thanks Designer Gal. It does seem that he's truly contrite and trying to make a difference.

I'm anti death penalty so maybe he should keep on trying to reach the youth.

It is difficult though when his legacy is ongoing on the streets. Can't help wondering if he's just feeling sorry for himself because prison is not as cushy as he thought. Only God knows for sure.

[DesignerGal]

You're welcome and Im stuck. I read all of this stuff on his website and think, "you know, he is doing a hell of alot of good things sitting in there. But he killed those innocent people and thats wrong. I think he should stay in prison for life maybe but not receive a death penalty. And I have a hard time playing God deciding who should die and who shouldnt. It just such a topic where ther is no black and there is no white, just shades of gray. You have hundereds of people on death row and they eat, read, workout, some can watch TV and thats all they do all day. This guy has sent some positive messages to young at risk kids. Thats great. But he started this whole mess of gangs and I think he needs to take responsibility for that.

[lady cop]

the CA. supreme court has just turned down his appeal and execution will proceed unless the governor over-rules them.

[lady cop]

No stay of execution for Crips founder



click for article.

Stanley "Tookie" Williams

[lady cop]

the mistake his lawyer has made here is professing his innocence instead of simply asking for clemency. innocence is not an issue, every judge that ever read the case agrees. but the dumb-ass celebs are doing the same thing, not helping him at all with protestations of innocence. nobody buys it. he would be better off not using that rationale. i don't care, he can rot in the ground.

[Uncle Kram]

What clemency did he show to his victims?

[lady cop]

i hope he rots. A conflicted life and pending death

[Uncle Kram]

See that Kenneth Lee Boyd , executed in North Carolina on Friday was the 1000th prisoner to be executed since the reintroduction of capital punishment in 1976. This was for a murder in 1988. Must have cost a lot to keep him in the slammer for the last 17 years

[Uncle Kram]

That's just an unbelievable amount of money . And just for 1 person

[lady cop]

SnoozeControl wrote: It costs $44,000 dollars a year to "keep" a prisoner??? I can't imagine why it would be so much money. Do you know where there's a breakdown of the cost? I'd be interested in seeing that.paying personnel and the worst is medical and dental care.

[lady cop]

what kills us is that these prisoners are very demanding about medical care and dental care and their rights to same, but they never took care of themselves medically in their lives on the outside. and since many of them have AIDS the cost is astronomical. there was a lifer out west a few years back (CA i think) who was on a list for a million dollar transplant!! burns the taxpayers' arses, and rightfully so.

[lady cop]

one more item...the rapidly increasing population of elderly doing life is a monstrous drain on budgets and resources...corrections 'owns' them , so they own the costs of caring for the elderly and infirm with the attendant health problems. it's becoming fiscally untenable.

[The Red One]

Let's see what you all think of this:

The taxpayers (all of us) are paying to keep these people in our prisons right? Most of the really bad ones family should have a choice: pay for him/her to stay alive in prison or give him/her the chair/injection.

My dad works at a prison, so do lots of friends, and I hear lots of things that go on with the "system". You would more than likely NOT be surprised at what is and isn't allowed.

[nvalleyvee]

There was a man who did his chemo every time I did..........he wore an orange suit and handcuffs. I had to pay for my chemo and I'm VERY SURE my taxes paid for his chemo. THAT MAKES ME ANGRY. How does a low life get Free medical care ....OH EXSQUEEZE ME ... not free - I paid for it. Yet I had to jump through hoops and make myself so damned broke that I could qualify for assistance. I would have had to sell my house, quit my job, sell everything I own, go live in the crack infested barrio and wait for 6 months to go on assistance. I never did that and am still paying for my cancer treatment. Raspberries to the people who suck off the system and don't give us middle class people ANY break.

[lady cop]

San Quentin State Prison, where Williams is held.

California's Supreme Court has rejected an emergency request to stay the execution of convicted killer and Crips gang co-founder Stanley Tookie Williams, who is scheduled to be put to death early Tuesday. A bid for clemency has gone to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and a decision could come later today.

[lady cop]

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger denied clemency today for convicted killer Stanley Tookie Williams, saying the facts of the case do not justify blocking his scheduled execution. Williams, a convicted killer and co-founder of the Crips gang, is due to die by injection shortly after midnight local time at San Quentin State Prison. Williams' death sentence sparked a debate over capital punishment, with his supporters claiming he should be able to live because he is now a changed man who writes books leading children away from gang life.

DEVELOPING STORY | NEWS UPDATE

[lady cop]

bye bye tookie. you never said you were sorry to the victims. so eat shite. just a few more hours.

[BTS]

Victim's Family: Let 'Tookie' Die

The Associated Press

Published: November 21, 2005

SANTA CLARA, Calif.”A day after death row inmate Stanley Tookie Williams addressed a youth group, the daughter of one of the people he murdered offered the students the victim’s side of the death penalty debate.

Rebecca Owens said Sunday that family members had told her that her father’s killer had been executed. But four years ago, she learned Williams was alive and had been nominated for a Nobel Prize.

“It literally almost destroyed my life because of my own anger,” Owens, 35, told the gathering of 1,200 high school students attending the Junior State of America convention. “I was just flabbergasted. How could the man who co-founded the Crips be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. What in the world?”

Owens did not say whether she believes Williams should be executed for the 1979 murders of her father, Albert Owens, and three others, or whether she agreed with the jury that sentenced him to die. She encouraged the students to get all the facts before making decisions.

“Look into the whole story,” said Owens, a widowed mother of four who was 8 years old when her father was murdered in the convenience store where he worked. “Make an informed decision. What bad can come from having all the facts?”

[BTS]

The Crimes of Stanley 'Tookie' Williams



From Charles Montaldo,Your Guide to Crime / Punishment.

Nov 29 2005

The 7-Eleven Robbery-Murder of Albert Owens



On February 28, 1979, Stanley Williams murdered Albert Lewis Owens during a robbery of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Whittier, California. Here are the details of that crime from the The Los Angeles County District Attorney's response to Williams petition for executive clemency.Late on the evening of February 27, 1979, Stanley 'Tookie' Williams introduced his friend Alfred Coward, a.k.a. "Blackie," to a man named Darryl. A short time later, Darryl, driving a brown station wagon, drove Williams to the residence of James Garrett. Coward followed in his 1969 Cadillac. (Trial Transcript (TT) 2095-2097). Stanley Williams often stayed at the Garrett residence and kept some of his belongings there, including his shotgun. (TT 1673, 1908).

At the Garrett residence, Williams went inside and returned carrying a twelve-gauge shotgun. (TT 2097-2098). Darryl and Williams, with Coward following in his car, later drove to another residence, where they obtained a PCP-laced cigarette, which the three men shared.

Williams, Coward and Darryl then went to the residence of Tony Sims. (TT 2109). These four men then discussed where they could go in Pomona to make some money. (TT 2111). The four men then went to yet another residence where they smoked more PCP. (TT 2113-2116).

While at this location, Williams left the other men and returned with a .22 caliber handgun, which he also put in the station wagon. (TT 2117-2118). Williams then told Coward, Darryl and Sims they should go to Pomona. In response, Coward and Sims entered the Cadillac, Williams and Darryl entered the station wagon, and both cars traveled on the freeway toward Pomona. (TT 2118-2119).

The four men exited the freeway near Whittier Boulevard. (TT 2186). They drove to a Stop-N-Go market and, at Williams' direction, Darryl and Sims entered the store to commit a robbery. At the time, Darryl was armed with the .22 caliber handgun. (TT 2117-2218; Tony Sims' Parole Hearing Dated July 17, 1997).



Johnny Garcia Escapes Death



The clerk at the Stop-N-Go market, Johnny Garcia, had just finished mopping the floor when he observed a station wagon and four black men at the door to the market. (TT 2046-2048). Two of the men entered the market. (TT 2048). One of the men went down an aisle while the other approached Garcia.The man that approached Garcia asked for a cigarette. Garcia gave the man a cigarette and lit it for him. After approximately three to four minutes, both men left the market without carrying out the planned robbery. (TT 2049-2050).



He Would Show Them How



Williams became upset that Darryl and Sims did not commit the robbery. Williams told the men that they would find another place to rob. Williams said that at the next location all of them would go inside and he would show them how to commit a robbery.Coward and Sims then followed Williams and Darryl to the 7-Eleven market located at 10437 Whittier Boulevard. (TT 2186). The store clerk, twenty-six year old Albert Lewis Owens, was sweeping the store parking lot. (TT 2146).



Albert Owens Killed



When Darryl and Sims entered the 7-Eleven, Owens put the broom and dust pan down and followed them into the store. Williams and Coward followed Owens into the store. (TT 2146-2152). As Darryl and Sims walked to the counter area to take money from the register, Williams walked behind Owens and told him "shut up and keep walking." (TT 2154). While pointing a shotgun at Owens' back, Williams directed him to a back storage room. (TT 2154).Once inside the storage room, Williams, at gunpoint, ordered Owens to "lay down, mother f*****." Williams then chambered a round into the shotgun. Williams then fired the round into the security monitor. Williams then chambered a second round and fired the round into Owens' back as he lay face down on the floor of the storage room. Williams then fired again into Owens' back. (TT 2162).



Near Contact Wound



Both of the shotgun wounds were fatal. (TT 2086). The pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Owens testified that the end of the barrel was "very close" to Owens' body when he was shot. One of the two wounds was described as ". . . a near contact wound." (TT 2078).After Williams murdered Owens, he, Darryl, Coward and Sims fled in the two cars and returned home to Los Angeles. The robbery netted them approximately $120.00. (TT 2280).



'Killing All White People'



Once back in Los Angeles, Williams asked if anyone wanted to get something to eat. When Sims asked Williams why he shot Owens, Williams said he "didn't want to leave any witnesses." Williams also said he killed Owens "because he was white and he was killing all white people." (TT 2189, 2193).Later that same day, Williams bragged to his brother Wayne about killing Owens. Williams said, "you should have heard the way he sounded when I shot him." Williams then made gurgling or growling noises and laughed hysterically about Owens' death. (TT 2195-2197).

[BTS]

The Brookhaven Robbery-Murders of the Yang Family

On March 11, 1979, Stanley 'Tookie' Williams murdered three members of the Yang family at their motel in Los Angeles. Here are the details of that crime from the The Los Angeles County District Attorney's response to Williams petition for executive clemency.At approximately 5:00 a.m. on March 11, 1979, Stanley Williams entered the Brookhaven Motel at 10411 South Vermont Avenue. (Trial Ttranscript (TT) 1411). After entering the public lobby area, Williams broke down the door that led to the private office.

Once inside the private office, Williams, using his shotgun, killed seventy-six year old Yen-I Yang; Williams also killed Yang's wife, sixty-three year old Tsai-Shai Yang; lastly, Williams killed Yang's daughter, forty-three year old Yee-Chen Lin. Williams then removed the currency from the cash register and fled the location. (TT 1406-1442, 1562-1563, 1677-1720, 1915-1927).

Robert Yang was asleep with his wife in their bedroom at the Brookhaven Motel when he was awakened by the sound of somebody breaking down the door to the motel's office. This sound was immediately followed by the sound of his mother or sister screaming, followed by gun shots. (TT 1409, 1411, 1433).

Son Finds Family Shot

When Robert entered the motel office he found his mother, his sister, and his father had all been shot. (TT 1412-1413). Robert observed that the cash register was open and money was missing. (TT 1414). It was later determined that the robbery of the Brookhaven Motel and the murder of the three members of the Yang family netted Stanley Williams approximately $100.Robert Yang called 9-1-1. Two deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department arrived within approximately ten minutes. (TT 1416). When the deputies entered the motel they noticed a strong odor of gun powder. (TT 1500). The deputies observed that the door leading from the public entrance into Yang's private living quarters had been forced open and the doorjamb was split open and the woodwork was torn away from the doorjamb. (TT 1508).

Gasping For Air

As they entered, they saw Yen-I Yang lying on a sofa. He was "soaked with blood," "gasping for air, and making gurgling noises." (TT 1501). They also saw the bloodied body of Tsai-Shai Yang. She was making "gurgling noises" and "gasping for air," with "her knees drawn up under her, and her face down on the floor," as if she had been forced to bow down before being killed. (TT 1502). Lastly, the deputies found the body of Yee-Chen Lin lying on the hallway floor.According to the forensic pathologist, Yen-I Yang suffered two shotgun wounds. One shotgun wound was to his left arm and abdomen. This wound shredded Yen-I's left arm, fractured his ribs, and shattered his spleen, right kidney, bowel and large vessels. The other shotgun wound was to the lower left chest. This wound also fractured ribs and shattered the spleen, right kidney, bowel and large vessels.

Evidence Found at Scene

Moreover, a plastic shotgun shot container and associated wadding were recovered from the base of Yen-I's liver. The pathologist further explained that both of the Yen-I Yang's wounds were inflicted when the end of the muzzle was only feet from Yen-I's body. Despite the severity of these wounds, Yen-I clung to life. He was transported from the scene by paramedics to Daniel Freeman Hospital where he died at 6:53 a.m.Yee-Chen Lin was shot once in the upper left face area at a distance of a few feet. Despite the truly horrific nature of the wound Stanley Williams inflicted upon her, Yee-Chen also clung to life. She was transported from the scene by paramedics to Centinela Hospital where she died at 7:36 a.m.

Shot at Close Range

Tsai-Shai was shot twice at close range. The pathologist explained that one shotgun wound was to the coccyx or tail bone. Based on the physical characteristics of the wound and the fact that wadding, along with the plastic shot container, were recovered just beneath the skin of this wound, the muzzle of the gun must have been just inches from her body when she was shot and killed. (TT 1453).The other shotgun wound was to the anterior abdomen with the charge entering at the naval. At trial, the pathologist testified that the muzzle of the gun was a few feet from Tsai-Shai's body when the shot that caused this wound was fired. (TT 1454).

[BTS]

Firearm Evidence Points to Williams' Shotgun



The Los Angeles County District Attorney filed a response opposing Stanley 'Tookie' Williams' petition for executive clemency from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger outlining the original evidence against him.Here are excerpts from that 57-page response.



Firearm Evidence



One expended twelve-gauge shotgun shell was recovered by investigators during the crime scene investigation at the Brookhaven Motel. (TT 1506-1507). This expended shell was received as exhibit 9E at trial. (TT 1514, 1862-1863, 2300). During the course of investigating the Brookhaven Motel murders, investigators recovered Williams' shotgun. (TT 1479-1489, 1691, 1863-1864, 1871-1872).This shotgun, a twelve-gauge High Standard slide-action shotgun bearing serial number 3194397, was received into evidence as exhibit 8. (TT 1487). In addition, a federal "Firearms Transaction Record" was received into evidence as exhibit 33. (TT 1483).

This document records Williams' purchase of the shotgun, trial exhibit 8, on February 25, 1974. Williams signed the transaction record and used his California driver's license for identification purposes when he purchased the shotgun. At trial, a certified copy of Williams' driver's license was received as exhibit 32. (TT 1485).



Fired From Williams' Gun



At trial, a firearms expert testified that the expended twelve-gauge shotgun shell that was recovered by investigators at the Brookhaven Motel, trial exhibit 9E, was fired from Williams' shotgun, trial exhibit 8, to the exclusion of all other firearms. (TT 1522-1523).Two expended twelve-gauge shotgun shells were recovered by investigators during the crime scene investigation at the 7-Eleven. (TT 1979-1980, 1984). These expended shells were received as trial exhibits 9C and 9D. (TT 1982).



Shotgun Not Ruled Out



Although these two shells lacked sufficient identifying characteristics to be conclusively matched to Williams' shotgun, the firearms expert testified that they were consistent with having been fired from that weapon. (TT 2301-2310).Moreover, the firearms expert did not find any dissimilarity that would exclude trial exhibits 9C and 9D from having been fired from Williams' shotgun. (TT 2301-2310).

[BTS]

Handwritten Notes Outline Escapee Plot

In the response to Stanley 'Tookie' Williams' petition for clemency, the Los Angeles County District Attorney filed a response outlining evidence of his plot to escape from jail. Here are excerpts from the report.In April, 1979, George Oglesby and Stanley Williams were housed together at the Los Angeles County Jail. During that time, Williams approached Oglesby with an escape plan. (TT 2398-2399). Initially, Williams asked Oglesby where Williams would be housed if he was found to be insane. (TT 2398-2399). Oglesby told Williams that he (Williams) would either go to Atascadero or Patton.

Williams asked Oglesby if he had any knowledge about those institutions. When Oglesby told Williams that he did have some knowledge about those institutions, Williams began to inquire about his chances of escape. (TT 2399). Oglesby told Williams that his chance of escaping from either institution was very poor. (TT 2399). Later, Williams asked Oglesby if he wanted to participate in a foolproof escape plan. Oglesby indicated he wanted to be included in the escape. (TT 2399).

In later conversations, Williams told Oglesby that he believed "the weak link" in the entire jail system was when inmates were transported between jail and the courthouse. Williams told Oglesby that he could escape from custody while being transported to court. (TT 2399). Williams drew Oglesby a detailed diagram of the area surrounding the Torrance Courthouse and the path of travel the jail transportation bus took as it approached the courthouse to deliver inmates to court. This diagram was received as trial exhibit 73. (TT 2399-2400).

According to Williams' escape plan, two people from the outside would assist in the plan. (TT 2400). These two people, who would be armed, would disarm and kill the first deputy to exit the bus. (TT 2400). Stanley Williams would then murder Alfred Coward ("Blackie") so as to eliminate the witness against him. Williams would also murder the other deputy on the bus. (TT 2400-2401). Lastly, Williams planned on blowing up the bus and its occupants with dynamite, in order to prevent the authorities from quickly discovering who had escaped. (TT 2403).

In a note, Williams wrote that a female had obtained a brand new shotgun for him. (TT 2402). This note was introduced at trial as exhibit 74.

Planning to Use Dynamite

In another note written by Williams and given to Oglesby, Williams explained that he now had dynamite and that the escape would thus happen much sooner than previously discussed. (TT 2403). This note was introduced as exhibit 75.Williams also wrote a note in which he asked Oglesby if they should delay the escape until his (Williams') brother was released from jail so that his brother could assist in the escape. (TT 2404). This note was introduced as exhibit 76.

'Heartbeat Away From Death'

In still another note, Williams asked if they should escape at the next court appearance scheduled in three weeks, or try to be transferred to the jail hospital and escape from there. (TT 2421). This note was introduced as exhibit 77.In another note, Williams explained that Alfred Coward ("Blackie") was a "heartbeat away from death." Williams told Oglesby that he was going to murder "Blackie" because "Blackie" was a witness against him. (TT 2422). In this same note, Williams asked Oglesby about "the weapons." This note was introduced as exhibit 78 (left side).

Specific Instructions

Lastly, Williams wrote that his female accomplice had the new pump shotgun and that he (Williams) hoped that Oglesby's "woman has all the other weapons with the silencers." (TT 2423).This note also included specific instructions regarding the time of the escape, the day of the escape, the location of the jail transport bus, and the number of deputies. This note was introduced as exhibit 78 (right side).

[BTS]

'I'm Going to Get Each and Every One of You'

In the response to Stanley 'Tookie' Williams' petition for clemency, the Los Angeles County District Attorney filed a response outlining his behavior during his trial and his threat to the jurors who found him guilty. Here are excerpts from that response.On January 21, 1980, Stanley Williams, through his attorney Gerry Lenoir, made it clear that he wished to replace Mr. Lenoir with his hand-picked attorney of choice, Joe Ingber. In fact, Williams personally asked the trial judge for a continuance so that he could arrange for the hiring of Mr. Ingber.

Williams, in addressing the court, stated, "Well, see, excuse me, your Honor. I'd like to move for a continuance at this time because the attorney of my choice, he's at this moment downtown fighting a murder trial." (TT A55-A56).

In response, the trial judge indicated that the next court date was months away, and that if Williams wished to employ Mr. Ingber, the court would allow Williams to "change counsel." (TT A56). At the next court appearance, on April 18, 1980, that is exactly what transpired. Stanley Williams asked that Gerry Lenoir be substituted out and that Joe Ingber be substituted in on his behalf.

When the court asked Williams if that was his desire, Williams responded affirmatively. (TT A58). The court then granted Williams' request, and Joe Ingber became the attorney of record. During the subsequent trial, Stanley Williams was represented by both Joe Ingber and his associate, Steven Ehrlich.

On March 13, 1981, the jury reached guilty verdicts on all counts, and found all the special allegations true. After the verdicts were read in open court, Williams spoke out to the jury, calling them "sons of bitches." (TT 2886-U). He was later asked, outside the presence of the jury, if he would like to take advantage of his Constitutional right to testify in his own defense at the penalty phase (a right Williams chose not to take advantage of during the guilt phase). Williams' response to this question was "hell no." (TT 2988).

Moreover, despite the trial judge urging Williams to present mitigating evidence during the penalty phase, Williams indicated he did not want to call any witnesses and did not want to present any evidence in mitigation. (TT 2988-2989, 2996). The following discussion was had among the trial judge, defense counsel, and Stanley Williams (TT 2996-2997):

INGBER: It's the defendant's desire that no one testify in his behalf in this phase; and I acquiesce to the desires of the defendant. So there will be no testimony called in this phase of the trial.

JUDGE: I would strongly urge that if there is any mitigating evidence, and if it can be presented, that you would be inclined to do that. But, of course, I realize the decision is yours. Are we to proceed?

INGBER: Yes, Your Honor.

The court then turned to Williams and urged him to put on whatever mitigating evidence he had.

JUDGE: Well, let me indicate, Mr. Williams, that I would strongly urge that if you have any testimony in mitigation that that be presented at this time. I realize the final decision has to be arrived at with you on the advice of counsel; and I suppose as to those matters counsel has the last word as to whether other mitigating evidence should be presented. So I want you to be aware that I'm recommending that you present any, if you have any. Have you had enough time, Mr. Williams, to discuss this matter with your lawyer?

WILLIAMS: (No response).

JUDGE: The record should reflect that the defendant remained mute in response to that inquiry.

It was subsequently discovered that the defendant threatened the jurors after the guilty verdict was read. Specifically, the defendant looked at the jurors and said he "was going to get all" of them. (TT 3072). After learning of this threat, the trial judge inquired of the jury foreperson.

The foreperson confirmed the defendant mouthed the words "I'm going to get each and every one of you mother f******." (TT 3078). The foreperson further confirmed that this threat did not play any part in the deliberations and was, in fact, not discussed during the penalty phase of the trial. (TT 3078).

[BTS]

Statement 'Factually Inaccurate,' D.A. Says

The Los Angeles District Attorney's office reputed the claim made by Stanley 'Tookie' Williams that all of the witnesses against him received freedom or vastly reduced sentences for their testimony:Counsel for Williams claims in the "Petition for Executive Clemency" that: What the District Attorney may not acknowledge is the nature of the evidence against Stanley Williams, who has always asserted his innocence . . . the case rested on the testimony of claimed accomplices and admitted informants, including a notorious jailhouse informant, all of whom were facing substantial prison time and even death for various offenses, and all of whom received either freedom or vastly reduced sentences for their testimony. (Petition for Executive Clemency, Dated November 8, 2005, 9).

This statement is factually inaccurate. The People's case rested on strong physical evidence, eyewitnesses, and a series of incriminating admissions made by Williams himself.

The following is a summary of some of the evidence in this case, as well as the witnesses that testified against Williams. It was this evidence that led the trial judge to deny the defense 18 motion to dismiss, to deny the defense motion for a new trial, to affirm the jury's verdict of death, and to finally conclude that the evidence: Established highly aggravating circumstances in that the defendant (Williams) shot gunned and killed three people in one robbery, and a fourth person at the other robbery.

The victims, who were defenseless, and offered no resistance, were killed with blasts from defendant's shotgun for the purpose of preventing the victims from ever being witnesses against the defendant These four killings were deliberate, premeditated, and with malice aforethought, as well as being robbery murders…the defendant used force and violence against the four victims for its own sake. (TT 3088-3089).

Layduane Douglas

In 1974, Layduane Douglas worked as the gun supervisor at Western Surplus. (TT 1478). As the gun supervisor, Mrs. Douglas was familiar with the record-keeping process utilized at the store. (TT 1478-1487). Mrs. Douglas, through her testimony and through documentation, proved that on February 25, 1974, Stanley Williams purchased the shotgun used in these murders. (TT 1478-1489).Despite Williams' claims in his clemency petition, Douglas was not an accomplice, she was not a jailhouse informant, she was not facing a lengthy prison term or death, and she was not granted freedom or a reduced sentence for her testimony. She was simply a citizen testifying to facts within the scope of her knowledge.

James Garrett

In 1979, Stanley Williams lived with James Garrett. In fact, Williams typically stayed there between 5 and 7 days a week. (TT 1673-1674). He also kept, among other things, his shotgun at the residence. (TT 1673, 1691-1693). On March 13, 1979, just two days after the Brookhaven motel murders, Williams asked Mr. Garrett if he had heard about the motel murders. (TT 1675-1677).Williams went on to explain that some "Chinese people" or "Buddhaheads" had been killed. (TT 1677-1678, 1720). Williams also stated that the murderer must have been a professional because he picked up the shotgun shells and did not leave behind any witnesses. (TT 1678, 1687).

Williams later provided Mr. Garrett with even more details. Williams explained that a big guy knocked down the door and "blew away" a guy on a couch (Mr. Yang), a woman near the register (Mrs. Yang), and a third person who came out from behind (Ms. Lin). (TT 1682).

Eventually, Williams admitted he was the actual murderer. He stated, in referring to committing a future robbery, he will "blow them away just like I blew them Buddhaheads away on Vermont." (TT 1720).

In addition to admitting his involvement in the Brookhaven murders, Williams also admitted killing Albert Owens. Specifically, Williams told Mr. Garrett that he had used his shotgun to blow away a white guy at a store, that Blackie (Alfred Coward) was with him, and that Blackie was a "punk" because Blackie couldn't eat after the murder. (TT 1688-1690).

Considered Killing Witness

Williams also told Mr. Garrett that he was considering killing Blackie. (TT 1689). Of course, this was subsequently corroborated by Williams' jailhouse note where he indicated Blackie was a "heartbeat away from death." (Trial Exh. 78).James Garrett was not an accomplice, he was not a jailhouse informant, he was not facing a lengthy prison term or death, and he was not granted freedom or a vastly reduced sentence for his testimony. This is not to say Mr. Garrett had an unblemished past.

At the time of trial, Mr. Garrett was facing sentencing for receiving stolen property. This crime carried a sentence of either one year in county jail or a maximum sentence of three years in state prison. Mr. Garrett also had a pending extortion case.

[BTS]

Evidence Is Overwhelming, D.A. Says



The Los Angeles District Attorney's office reputed the claim made by Stanley 'Tookie' Williams that all of the witnesses against him received freedom or vastly reduced sentences for their testimony.Here are more witnesses who testified against Tookie Williams in his murder trial:



Ester Garrett



Ester Garrett was the wife of James Garrett. (TT 1899). She also participated in conversations with Williams regarding his involvement in these murders. Moreover, she relayed these conversations to the jury. According to Mrs. Garrett, Williams told her he broke down the motel door with his shoulder, shot the lady by the register (Mrs. Yang), shot the man on the couch (Mr. Yang), and shot the lady coming through the door (Mrs. Lin). He described the victims as "Buddhaheads." (TT 1915-1916, 1917, 1931).Williams also told Mrs. Garrett that he killed some "white dude" for about $63.00 and that Blackie (Coward) couldn't handle it so he vomited. (TT 1917). Williams also stated that he was concerned Blackie might talk to the police and, as a result, he (Williams) might kill Blackie. (TT 1917).

Ester Garrett was not an accomplice, she was not a jailhouse informant, she was not facing a lengthy prison term or death, and she was not granted freedom or a vastly reduced sentence for her testimony. Like Mr. Garrett, she had previously been in trouble with the law. However, the jury was informed of this criminal past and still found Williams guilty of all four murders.



Alfred Coward



Alfred Coward (Blackie) was with Stanley Williams the night Williams shot and killed Albert Owens. (TT 2093-2164). Mr. Coward provided the jury with a detailed account of the 20 events leading up to the murder of Mr. Owens. (TT 2093-2164). For example, Coward described how Williams retrieved his shotgun and another gun earlier in the night. (TT 2098, 2117-2118).Mr. Coward described the vehicles used, namely a 1969 Cadillac and an old brown station wagon. (TT 2097-2099). Mr. Coward explained that he, Williams, Tony Sims, and a fourth man named Darryl, drove to the Stop-N-Go to commit a robbery, that Darryl (wearing a corduroy jacket) and Sims (wearing a green jogging suit) entered the store but failed to complete the planned crime, and that all four men then drove to the 7-Eleven to make a new attempt. (TT 2093-2143, 2186).

Mr. Coward explained that when they arrived at the 7-Eleven, Mr. Owens was sweeping the parking lot. (TT 2145-2147, 2186). The men exited their respective vehicles, at which time Williams put his shotgun to Mr. Owens and forced him into the back of the store. (TT 2145-2154). Coward described how Williams forced Owens to the floor, shot out the security monitor, and then shot Owens twice in the back with the shotgun. (TT 2157-2164).

Mr. Coward also explained how Williams laughed about the murder of Albert Owens. (TT 2195-2197). Specifically, Mr. Coward heard Williams say "you should have heard the way he sounded when I shot him." Williams followed this comment by making growling noises and then laughing hysterically. (TT 2195-2197).

Albert Coward was an accomplice in this crime. He was with the three other individuals during the time the weapons were gathered by Williams, and he drove his 1969 Cadillac to the various locations. Additionally, he entered the 7-Eleven along with the other men.

Alfred Coward was given immunity. This grant of immunity, which was revealed to the jury, was granted to ensure the successful prosecution and conviction of the actual killer, Stanley Williams.



Johnny Garcia



In February 1979, Johnny Garcia worked the night shift at the Stop-N-Go. (TT 2046). Mr. Garcia testified that on February 28, 1979, at approximately 4:00 a.m., he had just finished mopping the floors. (TT 2047). At that time, he saw four black males at the front door of the store. He also saw a station wagon in the parking lot. (TT 2047-2048).According to Mr. Garcia, two of the four men entered the store, walked around the store for a few minutes, asked for a cigarette and then left the store. Mr. Garcia described the two men as black males, with one wearing a green jogging suit and one wearing a brown coat. (TT 2048-2050).

Johnny Garcia was not an accomplice, he was not a jailhouse informant, he was not facing a lengthy prison term or death, and he was not granted freedom or a vastly reduced sentence for his testimony. Mr. Garcia, by all accounts, was a hard-working night teller at this convenience store.

His testimony, although it did not directly link Williams to the plot, was notable in that it directly corroborated much of Alfred Coward's testimony about being at the Stop-N-Go to commit a robbery, that one of the vehicles was a station wagon, and about the clothing worn by two of the men.

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The Los Angeles District Attorney's office reputed the claim made by Stanley 'Tookie' Williams that all of the witnesses against him received freedom or vastly reduced sentences for their testimony.Here are more witnesses who testified against Tookie Williams in his murder trial:

Armando Dominguez

On February 28, 1979, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Mr. Dominguez was driving to his place of employment. As he drove along Whittier Boulevard, he passed the 7-Eleven. As he did so, he noticed a station wagon in the parking lot, and two people standing at the counter area of the store. (TT 2051-2056).Mr. Dominguez was not an accomplice, he was not a jailhouse informant, he was not facing prison time or death, and he was not granted freedom or a reduced sentence for his testimony. Like Johnny Garcia, he was an uninvolved citizen witness who was able to corroborate some of the relevant facts testified to by Alfred Coward.

Dale Coates

Dale Coates worked the night shift as a truck driver. On February 28, 1979, he drove past the 7-Eleven on Whittier Boulevard sometime around 4:30 a.m. As he did so, he noticed two cars in the parking lot. He remembered one of the cars was a light-colored car and the other car was darker and longer.He also testified he saw a thin white male walking toward the store entrance, while being followed by two black males wearing three-quarter length jackets. As the white male walked, he looked over his shoulder at the two black males behind him. (TT 2058-2065).

With the testimony of Mr. Coates, the prosecution again corroborated statements made by Alfred Coward. Mr. Coates corroborated the approximate time of the crime, he corroborated the vehicles used, and he corroborated the sequence of events at the time Williams walked up behind Mr. Owens and forced him into the store.

Contrary to the claims made in Williams' petition, Mr. Coates did this despite the fact he was not an accomplice, he was not a jailhouse informant, he was not facing a lengthy prison term or death, and he was not granted freedom or a reduced sentence for his testimony. Instead, he was a completely uninvolved citizen witness who was able to corroborate some of the relevant facts testified to by Alfred Coward.

George Oglesby

Although George Oglesby can be characterized as a jailhouse informant, the jury was fully informed of this. In fact, defense counsel for Williams conducted a lengthy and aggressive cross-examination of Mr. Oglesby on this very issue. Much of what George Oglesby testified to, however, was corroborated by handwritten notes written by Stanley Williams himself.Not only did George Oglesby identify these notes as being written by Stanley Williams, but Deputy Matthews recognized the writing from having previously received notes from Williams. (TT 2382). In addition, Stanley Williams personally handed a note to Deputy Lichten that was subsequently used for comparison purposes. (TT 2535-2536, 2551).

Herbert Campbell, a court-qualified handwriting expert, then compared the handwritten note passed to Deputy Lichten to the escape notes, and determined that all the notes were written by the same person. (TT 2548-2556).

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Tony Sims Not Granted Immunity

Tony Sims, like Alfred Coward, was an accomplice in the 7-Eleven robbery-murder. However, Sims did not testify at Stanley 'Tookie' Williams' trial, because he was not granted immunity. Sims was separately prosecuted for his role in the 7-Eleven robbery-murder.Sims' statement to homicide investigators following his arrest, along with his sworn testimony over several decades, not only corroborates the testimony of Alfred Coward offered at Stanley Williams' trial, but further establishes, without question, Stanley Williams' guilt.

Tony Sims was arrested on March 23, 1979, for his participation in the robbery of the 7-Eleven that led to Albert Owens' murder. After his arrest on March 23, 1979, Tony Sims spoke to homicide investigators. In that audio-taped interview, Tony Sims openly admitted his involvement and the role he played in the robbery leading up to the murder of Albert Owens.

Moreover, Sims identified the other participants as Alfred Coward (Blackie), Darryl and Stanley Williams (Tookie), identifying Stanley Williams as the man who senselessly executed Albert Owens. (People's Clemency Exhibit 1 (P. Exh. 1)).

Tony Sims was subsequently prosecuted for his role in Owens' murder. At his trial, Sims testified in his own defense. Under oath, Sims again identified Stanley Williams as Owens' killer. (P. Exh. 2).

Sims Sentenced to Life

Sims was convicted of the first-degree murder of Owens based on the felony murder rule (a killing committed during the course of a robbery). Sims was also convicted of robbery. Additionally, the allegation that a principal was armed with a shotgun was found to be true and the special circumstance of robbery-murder was found to be true.At sentencing, the court specifically found ". . . that the defendant (Sims) was not the actual killer in the sense of handling the shotgun that caused the death of the victim in this case . . .". On May 20, 1981 Sims was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus one year.

Sims Identifies Shooter

In 1982, the Second Appellate District struck the special circumstance finding of robbery-murder against Sims, holding that there was no substantial evidence that Sims aided and abetted the robbery of Owens with the intent that Owens be killed. Sims was subsequently re-sentenced to an indeterminate term of life in prison.At subsequent parole hearings, Sims, again under oath, has repeatedly identified Stanley Williams as the man who shot-gunned Owens to death. (P. Exh. 3; P. Exh. 4). Tony Sims, throughout the last 26 years, has never wavered in his identification of Stanley Williams as Owens' killer.

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'Information Only the Killer Would Know'

In addition to the firearms evidence, the admissions, the testimony of participant Alfred Coward, the other trial testimony, and the consistent and sworn testimony of Tony Sims, Stanley Williams also implicated himself in the murders by making incriminating statements to Deputy Fueglein and Deputy Jones of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.According to the Los Angeles District Attorney's response to Williams' petition for clemency:

On March 15, 1979, Sergeant Hetzel and Deputy Fueglin of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department interviewed Stanley Williams in an interview room at Firestone Station.

After completing the interview, Williams, Deputy Fueglin and Deputy Jones had the following conversation:

WILLIAMS: How many shots were fired at the motel? Five?

FUEGLIN: What did you say?

WILLIAMS: How many shots were fired at the motel? Five?

FUEGLIN: How many shots do you think were fired at the motel?

WILLIAMS: I don't know.

JONES: You just told us 'five' twice.

WILLIAMS: I didn't say no numbers, man, you are crazy.

As the evidence at the subsequent trial made clear, five shots were fired at the Brookhaven Motel (two were fired at Yen-I Yang, two were fired at Tsai-Shai Yang, and one was fired at Yee-Chen Lin). In the above-referenced dialogue, Williams, in a moment of mistaken candor, provided detectives with information only the killer would know. Moreover, he repeated that knowledge twice.

When confronted with this apparent knowledge, Williams, again acting as the guilty party, retracted the statements and denied saying what he had just been heard to say. These statements and Williams' immediate retraction of them, are admissions to the Brookhaven murders. Williams knew five shots were fired because it was Williams who pulled the trigger each of those five times.