We're talking about California's Death Row, the inmates, the exonerated, and how they got there
Polly Klaas was kidnapped and murdered by Richard Allen Davis. Due to Richard’s violent history and convictions, the Three-Strikes Law in California gained support and today, is in effect. Richard was convicted and sentenced to death.
Vicente Benavides was convicted and sentecex to death. He spent 25 years on death row before being exonerated and released from prison.
Douglas Stankewitz has been on death row since October 13, 1978. The California Supreme Court granted Douglas a new penalty phase. In May 2019, Douglas was resentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Anthony Guest was a child actor who was kidnapped and murdered. Specer Brasure was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder of Anthony. According to the CDCR, Spencer died on November 11, 2019 of an acute drug toxicity.
Duane Holloway has been housed at San Quentin State Prison since July 11, 1985. Duane is on death row for the multiple murder, murder in the commission of attempted rape, and murder in the commission of burglary.
David Carpenter is better known as the Trailside Killer. David is also the oldest condemned inmate at 90 years old, having been on dead row since November 26, 1984.
Maria Alfaro is the first female to receive the death penalty in Orange County. Maria has been on death row since July 20, 1992. The Supreme Court of California affirmed her judgment in its entirety on August 6, 2007.
Richard Ramirez committed his offense on November 21, 1983 and was sentenced to death. He has been on CA Death Row since August 15, 1985. The "Night Stalked" Richard Ramirez committed his firs murder in 1984, but that is a story for a different day.
Rodney Alcala has been in San Quentin State Prison for almost 40 years. His case is currently reversed.