Gang founder loses last appeal

CALIFORNIA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday refused to spare the life of Stanley Tookie Williams, the founder of the murderous Crips gang.

Mr Schwarzenegger was unswayed by pleas from Hollywood stars and petitions from more than 50,000 people who said that Williams had made amends during more than two decades in prison by writing a memoir and books about the dangers of gangs.

“After studying the evidence, searching the history, listening to the arguments and wrestling with the profound consequences, I could find no justification for granting clemency,” Mr Schwarzenegger said, less than 12 hours before the execution.