Stanley Tookie Williams III (December 29, 1953 – December 13, 2005) was the co-founder of the Crips, a notorious American street gang which had its roots in South Central Los Angeles in 1971. In 1979 he was convicted of four murders committed in the course of robberies, and he remained in prison for the rest of his life. Later on in his life, he became an author of several books including anti-gang and violence literature and children's books.
Williams refused to help police investigate his gang, and was implicated in attacks on guards and women, as well as multiple escape plots. In 1993, Williams began making changes in his behavior, and became an anti-gang activist while on Death Row in California. He renounced his gang affiliation and apologized for his role in founding the Crips. He also co-wrote children's books and participated in efforts intended to prevent youths from joining gangs.
As you know, on December 13, 2005, Williams was executed by lethal injection after clemency and a four-week stay of execution were both rejected by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, amidst debate over the death penalty and whether Williams' anti-gang advocacy in prison represented genuine atonement for his crimes or were just a way to escape execution.
You know what happened, but now imagine you are back in time. Not only that but imagine you are Arnold Schwarzenegger, and you have the power to grant clemency to Tookie.
You weigh up the pros and cons - what example do you want to set? Do you want to show mercy? Or do you want to send a message that you cannot murder people and get away with it? What are the consequences of your own actions - whatever you decide?
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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Williams