A Public Goodbye for [Tookie] Williams

Los Angeles Times ^ | 12/20/05 | Louis Sahagun

[TFFKAMM]

About 2,000 people turn out to view the body of the killer and writer executed last week despite a high-profile campaign to save his life.

For many of the mourners filing past the casket Monday, the gray-bearded gentleman in the tailored gray suit and silk tie bore little resemblance to the man they remembered as the muscle-bound, fearsome Crips co-founder, Stanley Tookie Williams.

"When I was a kid, Tookie was the most dangerous man in South-Central Los Angeles," recalled Najee Ali, 42, director of Project Islamic Hope, a Los Angeles-based civil rights group. "Looking at him today, I'm reminded that my childhood has long since passed.

"Many of the people who lined up today for a last look at the man didn't know him; never met him," Ali said. "But they came to pay their respects because they have a Tookie in their family, or identify with his struggle."

Ali was among more than 2,000 people of all ages -- many of them clad in Crips blue -- who gathered at the House of Winston Mortuary on South Vermont Avenue at 95th Street where Williams' body reposed.

Williams, 51, was put to death by lethal injection Dec. 13. He was convicted of murdering four people, but supporters said he deserved clemency because he had spent his last years trying to steer children away from gang violence.

The public viewing of his body attracted a sometimes rowdy crowd that spilled into the street, backing up traffic. Marijuana smoke wafted through the air as sport utility vehicles with 20-inch rims cruised past, rap music blaring at full volume...

[BenLurkin]

"Marijuana smoke wafted through the air as sport utility vehicles with 20-inch rims cruised past, rap music blaring at full volume..."

[AbeKrieger]

Marijuana smoke wafted through the air as sport utility vehicles with 20-inch rims cruised past, rap music blaring at full volume...

Any questions as to what kind of absolute SLOP turned out for this event? The very scum of the earth that support this animal. I celebrate his death and hope he suffered.

[1Old Pro]

Marijuana smoke wafted through the air as sport utility vehicles with 20-inch rims cruised past, rap music blaring at full volume...

How nice. I gues the only thing missing was a few drive by murders by the crips.

[goldstategop]

A gentleman, huh? ROFL. I've never heard of a quadruple murderer being blessed with such an honorific description. Its a positively Clintonian experience - I mean Williams' funeral.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie.Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[Puppage]

killer and writer

More like killer and decomposer.

[Semper Paratus]

A Public Goodbye for [Tookie] Williams

I thought that was the execution.

[msnimje]

the gray-bearded gentleman

Aren't professional writers supposed to know the meaning of the words they use?

[Woman on Caroline Street]

I got a kick out of the supporters who say they have a "Tookie" in their family.

Something to be proud of, I guess.

[goldstategop]

Did I hear SUVs? Chillin' liberal hypocrites! Don't they KNOW SUVs are eevil?? ;-)

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie.Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[ncountylee]

Disappointed that See Love, an LA teacher, wasn't quoted in this piece.

[goldstategop]

Murderer and f*cked up asshole about whom no one in their right mind gives him a damn.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie.Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[wallcrawlr]

He was convicted of murdering four people, but supporters said he deserved clemency because he had spent his last years trying to steer children away from gang violence.

You mean like all the ones that showed up to his funeral?!?!?!?!?!?

[AbeKrieger]

Did I hear SUVs? Chillin' liberal hypocrites! Don't they KNOW SUVs are eevil??

Dey done takes away our heroes, who done need an Oh Zone layah or an ice cap, sheeet, dog !!!

[siunevada]

he deserved clemency because he had spent his last years trying to steer children away from gang violence, while at the same time directing the criminal enterprise he had created. A regular 'man for all seasons'.

[Puppage]

Even better.

[DumpsterDiver]

Marijuana smoke wafted through the air as sport utility vehicles with 20-inch rims cruised past, rap music blaring at full volume...

Another nice touch:

On a crowded street corner a few yards away, a group of young men wearing blue jerseys and ball caps flashed gang signs at a passing vehicle, then charged into the street and tossed a bottle at it.

[Darkwolf377]

It figures the racist American media would promote and romanticize this killer of young blacks! Those damned white devils, pushing this slime who led so many black men to dead-end lives! Just like New Orleans...

What? Huh? What'd you say, Rev. Jackson? Ohhhh....

It figures the racist American media would distort the life of this savior of young blacks! Those damned white devils, trying to ignore the Nobel-nominated author of great literature meant to lead black men away from criminal lives! Just like New Orleans...

[fizziwig]

Tookie Tookie lend me your tomb.