Inside look at California's plan to dismantle death row at San Quentin prison

[@THE_LEGEND_OF_TATATATATOUCHERS]

Newsom should stay the night with them and she have a second opinion

[@laronmorrow6230]

😂

[@yvonneplant9434]

Are you anywhere near California??? 😂

[@locochang6533]

@@yvonneplant9434im from la. And I agree with him

[@CC-gb8wj]

It’s a fact that people that hurt children do it again ! When will they stop letting them out .

[@bonniebrown6960]

That's exactly what I wax thinking too. It makes me sick to my stomach and I'm so mad.

[@cornell833]

​@@bonniebrown6960facts 💯

[@SQTierHog]

Paused at 1:15. On my birthday month, in 1992, I got pulled in at the last minute to be involved with the execution process of Robert Alton Harris. In my twenties, I was an officer for a few years by then. Funny, I haven't moved on, as newsome says. It was all about confidentiality back then, because I was called in at the last minute (actually it would be most of the day/eve for me), so there was no prior training because I wasn't part of the planned execution team. So I had no idea what to expect, what to do, what to say, none of that, and after my experience, being with Robert through all the visiting / attorney process, just prior returning him over to wait for his sentence to be carried out, my life had changed, the way I looked at the the system, how I would perform my job, would change. It was a horrific experience being in the room with his family, for I was the face of the executioner to them, and I surely could go on and on, I'm kind of doing it now... Sorry, but I was going to say is I find it despicable for newsome filth to say what he said.. "The vast majority of the world has moved on in a completely different direction.." WHAT? Just the first minute in, I despise the way he walks in there as if he's somebody to be reckoned with, as if he's somebody who's experienced anything at that prison, let alone the very very rare occurrence to be involved in an execution process. All I was told afterward was I could speak with no one. I didn't know how long, all I knew that it was such a huge political drama machine then, but I was afraid that if I said anything to anyone, that I would be violating that confidentiality, and who knows what legal teams could do to me for that, or go after the prison legally for something that I had said to someone. I never got called in by the warden, or any administrative staff...not to be thanked, but to ask if I was okay, and maybe let me ask a few questions to them about how I was to move forward about what I witnessed. Yet, just as disgusting as this newsome, I have seen an interview or two, where the San Quentin Warden Vasquez, and another lady who I will not mention her name, talked about how they felt, their emotions regarding it all, how it affected them..but yet they didn't even care to talk to the staff who were involved, at least they never contacted me. I don't surely mean to sound like a pity party here, the stuff is just very difficult, it's something that you never ever forget about, you question your ethics, you question your religion if you have any, you question your sanity. And, I write all this coming from a person who was very avid for the death penalty back then, and at times, I shamefully admit, I'd thought that I could easily do that job. I wanted to do that job. I could have never ever believed that I would have ever been called in on that, and when I did get called, I was sitting with about 10 to 15 other staff members in a room, we were extras, to be placed at the perimeter of the prison because it was so crazy then. When suddenly a door opened, and a sergeant called me in, and told me I was going to be with Harris. Right there in the hallway, I have no idea what it was, but I stopped cold in my tracks and told the sergeant I didn't want to be involved in any way. I always go back to that hallway, however, I've learned not to hate the sergeant for making me do it, threatening my job that if I didn't, I just tried to plead with the sergeant to go back out and grab anybody out there in the room. No one at the prison, including the sergeant who was rushed, and stressed as well, had ever been involved in an execution...except for Sergeant Wherty (who I got to work with, and is a spitting image of Tom Hanks' character in the Green Mile) was the only person who is an active employee who used to be involved in the regular executions prior to 1967. He started in 1942 I believe. I was grateful to be able to work with him for a couple weeks, this was prior to the execution, never knowing I'd be involved, but I asked him why he wasn't involved. The rumor was that the administrators wanted the sergeant to get involved, and he confirmed that with me. He said there was just too much of a circus going on, and he didn't want to be part of it. Anyhow, back to that hallway and meeting Harris... Here's one of many kickers... When staff brought Harris to me from his 'house', he looked at me because he remembered me n the tiers and he smiled and said he was glad that I was there. I told him that I tried to get out of it that I wanted nothing to do with it, however he told me that he was grateful that the sergeant would not allow me to exchange with anyone else. Matter of factly, that it was his execution, and he wanted me there, instead of other staff who he thought would absolutely enjoy the whole process. I didn't have the heart to tell him then that I was one of those staff members, until I got called into that hallway. I guess I got what I asked for....Geez, I should stop now.

[@katrinashostakovich3607]

That's an incredible story, thank you for sharing it. I think if I was in your shoes, I'd feel the same way. Id probably be way more traumatized actually. Thank you for your difficult work and I hope you're doing ok ❤

[@SQTierHog]

@@katrinashostakovich3607 Thank you very much for what you've shared. I started to ramble because there's so much, but, at times, it's a way for me to release, but I have to shut it down somewhere. Before social media, and this technology ('my execution', I call it... the one I was involved in was April, 1992) I had to keep it all in. Throughout the years, it was difficult to remain silent whenever the topic of executions would be brought up amongst staff. Because I was told after my involvement that I could speak to no one, I was fearful of discussing it for most of my 'career'. Again, thank you for listening. 🙏

[@andromeda939]

Thank you for sharing, very saddening and heartbreaking 🙏

[@SQTierHog]

@@andromeda939 Time is valuable, so thank you for taking your time to read and reply. 🙏

[@stephaniepatrick3362]

Thank u for sharing this! And I hope u have found ur peace! Sending peace and love ur way internet friend ❤️

[@keithbrown3045]

I have family that works for California prison system, and I can guarantee you this is a bunch of nonsense! Norway is a small homogeneous society it's impossible to compare the two. California is a cancer! Please don't let this spread outside of this horrible state.

[@davidcaudill7779]

Finally somebody that's actually talking sense about prisons in America oh my God 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Anne.411]

We need Newsom out of here. Norway is no California yet he basing his experiment on their model

[@nealxl6256]

Does Norway have prison race gangs?

[@TheRealdal]

I worked in a prison where death row inmates had their sentences commuted to life without parole. Most committed their crimes many years ago and are clearly not the same men. They work hard every day, they stay out of trouble, they know they are never getting out. They feel remorse. Not all of them but most, you learn the ones who don’t. They don’t immediately get full privileges. It’s a step up process as years go by they have to show good behavior, take courses, and as time goes by they eventually will get to minimum security. Never a camp though, never outside the prison walls.

[@Temporal_Assassin]

Prisons are not trash dumps. You are sentenced, you do your time, then you get out and go about your life. That is why we need programs that will help them get back on their feet and find jobs when they leave. As for death row, it does no good, life in prison w/no parole will keep them of the street too. Does it do harm? It can? There have been cases where death row inmates were later found to be innocent or wrongly convicted. There is no good in finding the guy innocent after he is dead. I don't want that on my conscience as a juror.

[@Mauser1965]

Then logic dictates that you made a decision on the facts you were provided as truth as a juror. Yet were you the one who dictated the sentence? Those who have committed perjury have committed a crime and need to face justice in turn. I hope this clarifies any doubts and that nobody can live by "what ifs" scenarios.

[@carenwebb9044]

Its disgusting newsome and this reporter Cares more about these murderers on death row then the people they harmed

[@dianehickman5960]

They are not maximum security prisons they are being transferred to either

[@TaharkahX]

So unfair to the victims and their families!

[@dangelo1369]

How so?

[@ms.pugsley]

​@@dangelo1369they're still breathing

[@r8r_ray384]

@@ms.pugsley eye for an eye will make the whole world blind

[@banger2998]

@@r8r_ray384I was about to say that

[@lindorini]

But it helps future people of not getting more victims.

[@Fiftycents50]

And why crime is at an all time high in California

[@vincentshenko3152]

I don’t like many things about Gavin Newsom, but I certainly agree with him on this issue. On a national level, the U.S. needs to get with the times and do the same in other states that still allow for capital punishment.

[@WillowWhispers]

When you do in-depth research into the horrific crimes committed by the monsters sitting on death row, you'll realize that eliminating the death penalty is not a good idea.

[@RYMAN1321]

Why? It’s far more expensive to house people on death row and it doesn’t even get administered for another 20-30 years anyway. Many people on death row pass away from illness or natural causes anyway.

[@e.c-s8611]

Glad somebody is using evidence based plans. My mother and brother were murdered - I cannot live in hate and resentment - then I become a victim too. These people are sick but some can change and humanity is better because of it.

[@vrrcru3873]

will someone please contact N.C. GOVONOR about programs like this for his state, instead of him doing nothing.

[@lanabyk8012]

What about Trump? Will he be rehabilitated while in prison?

[@juniordelarosa748]

Poverty and lack of opportunities and low wages are what lead to violence illegal activities am struggling with that but I will never allow that to make me a criminal or to hurt steal nor impact anyone but I seen others take the wrong path

[@Alien_isolationist]

I just think its weird that they made the higher level yards MORE dangerous then theybalready were, by releasing condemned men who offed multiple people, to the rest of the convicts.

[@santamaria2509]

Very interesting story. I look forward to the second part .

[@andromeda939]

Criminals thrive on the indulgence of society's understanding ( and very expensive to maintain them as well).

[@bethanyhealy4989]

Yes we hear every day one of the murderers leaving a half way house. Then they are on the loose. Of course he has armed guards. But we do not. Looking forward to having this all over the country to see how they like this mess. This is why the state is such a mess. They don't get re arrested because there is no laws anymore here. They keep people out of prison by lying and saying that crime is down when all you have to do is go outside and see for your own eyes it's way up.

[@lindorini]

"no one who has done this program has come back to prison" . thats the proof in the pudding!

[@keithxpress]

New celly: imagine if one these DR guys became your new celly in the middle of the night.

[@OldTestament1]

Come to California where crime really dose pay and with minimal penalties if you do get caught.

[@nghtwtchmn129]

When I think of California, I think of flash-mob looting.

[@paolaramos3208]

This is not Norway. California inmates are not the same as a whole other country.

[@texasgina]

He needs to be impeached

[@nghtwtchmn129]

And to think that there is talk of Newsom replacing Biden on the ballot.

[@Temporal_Assassin]

Why, did you miss the part about the election and the people choosing to have them pay rather than die? He is doing the job the people have decided.

[@RYMAN1321]

@@nghtwtchmn129It’s not happening, but I do think Newsom is setting himself up to run four years from now.

[@drewbonsall384]

To bad wish Scott got to try the hot seat

[@720Horsepower]

They should teach the guys getting out construction trades.

[@Mauser1965]

There is a big difference between death row and those who hopefully make a change in their lives. Feel free to do the math on the average annual cost to incarcerate and inmate then what is the average annual wage in that State. Keep in mind I am only pointing out that they are only there due to beyond a reasonable doubt that each one is guilty and sentenced to death, thus the reference to death row. The economical logic and conclusion is very clear.

[@Alien_isolationist]

Its relaxed at SQ because its now a medium security, many of the Lifers there aging & have stayedout of trouble for a long time. Its notorious history comes from the 90s & 2000s when it was maximum.

[@lemonhead162]

Why???

[@ianrlack]

We’re one of the only nations in the world that exec*tes its own citizens, with 4% of inmates actually innocent - just in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Capital punishment needs to end.

[@Alien_isolationist]

When you do 10+ years, you tend to not want to come back. Thats the driving force. We give leniency to people with only 2-5 years & they dont get tired of prison. 5hey keep getting vacations to the street so its no big deal. I spent 3 years inside this prison. I recognize some of these guy's. Some belong there, some are reformed. They did off somebody though

[@mateokelly8121]

If you take away to death row sentence, no one will fear the law

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

Life imprisonment

[@dunhillsupramk3]

@@SuperGreatSphinx free food and healthcare for life...

[@RYMAN1321]

That’s a common myth, fact is the death penalty has been shown not to deter crime. Criminals think they’re smart enough not to get caught, many commit crimes in the spur of the moment and many don’t think rational.

[@johnsparry3498]

@@RYMAN1321 Lots of people facing the death penalty plea down to Life Without Possibility For Parole. With no death penalty, that is gone. They now start at Life Without Possibility For Parole and plea down to where they will likely be released at some point. Removing the death penalty definitely leads to people eventually being set free that should never see the light of day.

[@danielebrparish4271]

No one is supposed to fear the law. Most murders are one time impulsive acts brought on by drugs, alcohol or a mental illness. The problem is that no one makes plans for getting caught. If they did they would move to a state that did not have a death penalty to commit their acts. We have been knowing that the death penalty never affected the crime rate since scientists started publishing the results of their studies in the 1970s. It is just a gravy train for law firms specializing in appeals.

[@margueritespittle5382]

Money well spent on improving our prisons. We need to be smart and give people a chance to improve their lives and reduce recidivism like other countries have successfully done.

[@gemini2loveme]

Prayers for Craig🙏

[@phototristan]

Bad idea. California real estate is so expensive, do we really want to keep paying housing for these inmates for life?

[@nghtwtchmn129]

No wonder that there is a movement for northeast California to break away and join "Greater Idaho."

[@BryamReyes-wi5be]

Is lil fee there?

[@sapien2291]

They have gels and they keep them like that so everybody can live like monsters

[@Machead92]

The hair gene grows strong in the newsom family 😂

[@Castle743]

Great idea Quick justice

[@legendarygigolo823]

RE-mantle the row!

[@ManuelHernandez-ek4nw]

This is why I love Texas.

[@eleonorulibarry5340]

LET'S HURRY UPPP GUYYYYYY SURROUND THE PERIMETER NOW EVERYONE SET UP ACCORDINGLY HOLY CRAP

[@DJMerrell86]

its about time the USA stepped out of the medieval age

[@newlam7958]

Cheap talk from someone who was not a victim of a violent crime or had a family member murdered!

[@RYMAN1321]

@@newlam7958Most of the developed world has abolished capital punishment anyway, and it’s basically a life sentence anyway as most are on for 20-30 years anyway. Many people in death row die from illness or old age anyway. Not to mention it’s far more costly to house people on death row.

[@bonniebrown6960]

The man that killed my dad had already killed three other people before he killed my dad. They let him out of prison and then he killed my dad. Because there wasn't an eye witnesses and bc they couldn't find the weapon that killed my dad....they wouldn't even take it to trail. They let him go again. Three years after that.....he killed two women. Then...Then...they finally took it to trail and he got three life sentences. My dad and those two women's lives could have been spared if they hadn't of let him out of prison. I was only 10 year old when my dad was killed. I had to grow up without a father. My dad didn't do anything wrong and he definitely didn't deserve to die because of some no good for nothing poc.

[@bethanyhealy4989]

@@bonniebrown6960 Newsom and the democrats could care less about your dad.

[@scottdavidson526]

They might as well, they don't put anyone to death out in Cali. anymore. They just let the inmates assume the prison justice role. Ask Paul Flores. Bwahahahahaha😂

[@socalpimp1974]

Maybe they can be given a second chance and vote Democrat

[@beenarboy]

I think this is awesome long overdue much more humane. It’s time we reform inmates because they are going to come back into society. Don’t you want them to come back into society better?!

[@Cwgrlup]

We’ll vote it back in once Newsome is gone.

[@suesmith3744]

Some can’t be ‘ reformed’

[@Charles-n8p]

Galvan Newsome 4 President. Not.

[@juniordelarosa748]

I agree with the governor of California

[@alanroberson9749]

Very good job dudes and well done!! Congratulations 999.71% yo throughout the 4th sizzling week of said joyous June y'all. Very interesting yet superb story. I look forward to the second part tomorrow.

[@charlenebrownlow4677]

PTL Governor…good forward thinking; we need more politicians with forward thinking 💯💌!

[@dunhillsupramk3]

and what about justice for the victims??

[@bethanyhealy4989]

@@dunhillsupramk3 They don't care about them. This is the guy who spent 30 billion on the homeless issue only to have it get worse and is now taxing the poor to give more to the homeless.

[@alexmacias762]

Norway model is awesome 😎

[@r.g.431]

What a clown!

[@WilliamLumbang]

Newsum. Is not right