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The Execution of Stanley Tookie Williams The co-founder of the Crips gang is put to death by lethal injection, ending a long legal saga and a renewed battle over the death penalty. The U.S. Supreme Court and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger denied Williams' bid for clemency.

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.

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Crips Co-Founder Williams Put to Death

December 13, 2005 • Stanley Tookie Williams, a co-founder of the Crips gang, dies by lethal injection at San Quentin prison, where spent the last 25 years of his life. Supporters said the convicted killer was a changed man who worked from behind bars to end gang violence.

Crips Co-Founder Williams Put to Death

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Witnessing the Execution of Stanley Tookie Williams

December 13, 2005 • Stanley Tookie Williams, the Crips gang co-founder who became an anti-gang crusader on death row, died by lethal injection early Tuesday morning at California's San Quentin State Prison. Alex Chadwick talks to KQED reporter Judy Campbell, who witnessed the execution.

Mixed Response to Williams' Execution in L.A.

December 13, 2005 • Many were worried the execution of Crips gang co-founder Stanley Tookie Williams would result in violence in Los Angeles' African-American neighborhoods. Karen Grigsby Bates visited one local black neighborhood, and found a more subdued response.

Clemency for Ex-Crips Leader Williams Denied

December 12, 2005 • California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger rejects a last-minute bid to spare the life of Stanley Tookie Williams. Shortly after the stroke of midnight, the convicted murderer and Crips co-founder is scheduled to die by lethal injection. Williams is spending his final hours on death row at San Quentin Prison.

Defining Redemption for Stanley Tookie Williams

December 12, 2005 • The California Supreme Court on Sunday rejected a request to halt the scheduled Tuesday execution of convicted killer and Crips street gang co-founder Stanley Tookie Williams. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger now must decide whether or not to grant Williams clemency, which would commute his sentence to life in prison without parole. The movie version of Williams' life is called Redemption -- but Williams' definition of the word may differ from that of a minister or ethics professor.

The Crips: Past and Present

December 9, 2005 • Stanley Tookie Williams, co-founder of the Crips gang, is scheduled to be executed Dec. 13. Alejandro Alonso, a social geographer specializing in crime and an expert witness on gang and crime cases in Los Angeles, talks about the history of the Crips and what they are like today.

Timeline: Tookie's Path to Death Row

December 13, 2005 • Follow a timeline of Stanley Tookie Williams' life from his birth to his execution by lethal injection at California's San Quentin State Prison on Dec. 13, 2005.

Opinion

Hollywood Elites Come to Tookie's Aid

December 8, 2005 • Commentator Joseph C. Phillips criticizes the Hollywood elites who are calling for clemency for convicted murderer and anti-gang activist Stanley Tookie Williams. Phillips is an actor and a syndicated columnist living in Los Angeles.

Brother of Victim Discusses Tookie Williams

December 8, 2005 • Farai Chideya talks with Wayne Owens, the brother of Albert Owens, one of four victims murdered by California death row inmate Stanley Tookie Williams. The Crips street gang co-founder has become an anti-gang activist behind bars, and is scheduled to be executed next week.

Tookie Williams and the History of the Crips

December 7, 2005 • The Crips, the gang that condemned California inmate Stanley Tookie Williams helped to create, has survived -- and has even gone international. Mike Pesca takes a look at the past, present and future of the Crips street gang and the role Stanley Tookie Williams played in its creation. Williams, who became an anti-gang crusader behind bars, is scheduled to be executed next week.

Options for Crips Founder on Death Row Dwindle

December 1, 2005 • 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.

Opinion

Clemency for Tookie a Signal to Black Youth

November 22, 2005 • Stanley "Tookie" Williams, co-founder of the notorious L.A. street gang the Crips, is scheduled for execution December 13th. Commentator Earl Ofari Hutchinson argues that by granting clemency, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger could send a signal to other inmates that doing good works behind bars may be rewarded -- and a message of hope to young African-Americans.

Crips Founder Seeks 'Redemption' on Death Row

April 21, 2005 • Stanley "Tookie" Williams, co-founder of the notorious Crips street gang, has been on San Quentin's death row since 1979. But behind bars, he's written nine children's books and urges young people to avoid the gang life. A profile of Williams' violent past and uncertain future.

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