Cold efficiency and precise procedures govern the final day of the condemned at San Quentin

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | December 12, 2005 | Kevin Fagan

[KingofZion]

The procedure for executing a prisoner in San Quentin, the only prison in California with a death chamber, is bound by rigid rules dictating when and how each act must be performed -- from the moment the inmate wakes up on his last day of life until the moment he dies. * * * "We try to keep this very professional," said prison spokesman Sgt. Eric Messick. "I can't see it being done any other way -- you have to treat everyone, especially the inmate, with dignity and respect. This is a very somber event." * * * If the execution goes through as scheduled, Stanley Tookie Williams will arise this morning to find that the entire Death Row of 648 condemned prisoners, and every other maximum security cell block, has been on tight lockdown since 12:01 a.m. He will be allowed to spend his last day meeting in the prison visiting room with friends and relatives until 6 p.m., when he will be moved to a special death watch cell next to the execution chamber.

There, three guards will watch him constantly through the rest of the evening, as he is offered a last meal and can watch television, play the radio or read.

Williams told The Chronicle he plans to refuse a last meal or anything to drink on his final evening. He has also requested none of his friends or relatives watch the execution.

"I don't want food or water or sympathy from the place that is going to kill me," he said in an interview with the paper last month. "I don't want anyone present for the sick and perverted spectacle. The thought of that is appalling and inhumane. It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die."

[KingofZion]

Tookie probably doesn't understand the irony in his final statement. From what I read, he enjoyed watching his victims die.

I do not understand why he deserves to be treated "with dignity and respect." His victims didn't get any such consolation.

[ncountylee]

Is he allowed a change of under pants?

[Mikey_1962]

If he has changed, what's to keep him from changing back?

[rom]

There are 648 prisoners on Death Row in CA? At the slowpoke rate we go through them, that's going to take a few millenia!

[GarySpFc]

Has Arnold made his decision yet?

[Lazamataz]

Tookie: "It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die."

Hey Tookster -- shoulda thought of that before you founded a gang that thought it was pretty cool to sit and watch another human die.

[Ben Mugged]

Death

[KeyLargo]

It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die."

Tell that to your victims families Tookie!

[flada]

It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die.

Unless, of course, you're capping them yourself over $400 or so. That not only isn't disgusting, but worthy of bragging about and describing in gruesome detail afterward.

[Tax-chick]

Whatever ... if they'll just get it done!

[BigFinn]

"It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die."

This statement leapt off the page. I don't think he thought it was so... back in the 70's. A slight change of heart...

Oh, at least have an In and Out burger before you leave...

[Calusa]

The thought of that is appalling and inhumane. It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die."

It kinda takes the fun away unless your actually shooting or stabbing or choking or other wise actively taking that human's life. But, just sitting around and watching what the point in that? I don't think he has yet to own up to his responsability for his crimes so he'll probably go to his death without finding peace or solace.

[ErnBatavia]

[manglor]

"It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die."

Yep to just sit there and watch them die is pretty disgusting. Good thing Tookie decided to mock their dying sounds and laugh at them instead. ESAD tookie.

[Willie Green]

"I can't see it being done any other way -- you have to treat everyone, especially the inmate, with dignity and respect. This is a very somber event."

Took, Took, Tookie goodbye,
Took, Took, Tookie don't cry.
The choo-choo train that takes me away from you,
no words can tell how glad it makes me.
Dis me, Tookie, and then
I'll do it over again.
Watch for the mail,
I'll never fail,
if you don't get a letter
then you'll know you're in hell.
Took, Took, Tookie don't cry,
Took, Took, Tookie goodbye!

[DustyMoment]

It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die.

Tookie would know. I find it ironic that Hollyweird is getting their collective panties in a wad over Tookie's upcoming meeting with his Maker because he wrote children's books.

But I have a question for them: How many of those children grew up without a parent because of the violence and murder that Tookie perpetrated before he starting writing children's books in prison? How many of those he murdered didn't get the opportunity to wish their loved ones goodbye or bounce their grandchild on their knee?

Writing children's stories doesn't make Tookie any less the murdering, hate-filled thug he was when he was sentenced to die 24 years ago. Let the sentence be carries out and may God have mercy on his soul, because I sure as heck don't.

[babydoll22]

It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die."

And all this time, i think you a Dinka man, and now I find out you a melon head.

Tookie, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[Old Sarge]

It is disgusting for a human to sit and watch another human die.

THEY sure didn't think so...

[KingofZion]

SOP is for the prison to wear adult diapers - easier to clean up.

[Kenton]

If he has changed, what's to keep him from changing back?

Well, we all know the answer to that one, and so will he at 12:01.