Allegations reignite death-penalty debate

Re “Problems Alleged in Williams’ Execution,” Sept. 6

This puts another nail in the coffin of the death penalty. Let’s face it -- there is no humane way to execute someone. And why should our government be in the business of executing its citizens? Another crucial nail is how many cases there are of wrongfully accused people on death row.

Let’s join the world’s more civilized countries and quit this barbaric and immoral practice.

JOYCE KOHL

Altadena

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Lawyers for another death row inmate claim that Stanley Tookie Williams may have felt horrible pain when he was executed. I have a one-word reply: Good. I hope he felt horrible pain for the entire 15 minutes it took for him to be executed. I am only sorry he did not feel horrible pain the entire time he sat on death row, eating three square meals a day and receiving medical treatment that many Californians cannot afford, all at taxpayer expense.

Maybe if the word gets out that a death sentence results in horrible pain, fewer individuals will engage in capital crimes. If not, then let them experience a few minutes of horrible pain in retribution for the pain they inflict on their victims.

MICHAEL J. ALLEGRETTI

Chatsworth

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Poor Williams. My heart bleeds for him. After all, I am sure that he made sure his victims were “sufficiently anesthetized” before he killed them in cold blood.

ELLEN BROWN

Reseda