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Options for Crips Founder on Death Row Dwindle Time is running out for convicted murderer and co-founder of the Crips gang, Stanley "Tookie" Williams. The California Supreme Court refused to block his execution Wednesday. Now, his fate is in the hands of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Williams is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Dec. 13.
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Special Series

The Execution of Stanley Tookie Williams

The U.S. Supreme Court rejects a final plea by Stanley Tookie Williams to avoid the death penalty.

Options for Crips Founder on Death Row Dwindle

Heard on All Things Considered

Options for Crips Founder on Death Row Dwindle

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Stanley "Tookie" Williams in San Quentin Prison. Tookie.com hide caption

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Tookie.com

Stanley "Tookie" Williams, co-founder of the Crips gang, says he is prepared to die if California proceeds with plans to execute him on Dec. 13. Wednesday night, Williams phoned from San Quentin Prison to thank supporters for urging California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to stop the execution.

Since his murder conviction, Williams has renounced his gangster lifestyle, written children's books, and been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize -- which supporters cite in their arguments for clemency.

Star-Studded Plea

Hear more from Wednesday's Los Angeles gathering in support of clemency for Stanley 'Tookie' Williams:

Web Extra: Stanley 'Tookie' Williams Addresses Supporters by Phone

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Web Extra: Actress Alfre Woodard Reads from Williams' 2004 Book, 'Blue Rage, Black Redemption'

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/5035019/5035413" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
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Special Series

The Execution of Stanley Tookie Williams

The U.S. Supreme Court rejects a final plea by Stanley Tookie Williams to avoid the death penalty.