Los Angeles - California State Assembly Member Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) issued the following statement about the execution of Stanley "Tookie" Williams.

"Capital punishment is an outdated, barbaric form of retribution that I believe should be abolished. I do not believe the death penalty is an appropriate form of justice and has no place in a civilized society. While the rest of the world moves toward eliminating such appalling redemption, I find it deplorable that the United States still allows such an antiquated process.

Stanley "Tookie" Williams, co-founder of the notorious Crips gang, spent his last few years in prison writing books, teaching children about the dangers of gang violence. His efforts of atonement are further reason why I do not condone the death penalty. I don't feel that killing him will deter others from killing, yet allowing him to live may have saved a young persons life."

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger did not grant clemency to Stanly "Tookie" Williams this week, allowing him to be executed on Tuesday, December 13th by lethal injection.