Chessman caryl biography of barack

The execution of Caryl Chessman in the gas chamber of San Quentin Prison on May 3, 1960, ended a twelve-year struggle between Chessman and the justice system that culminated in international rage at the treatment of the prisoner.

Caryl Whittier Chessman was born May 27, 1921, in St.

Joseph, Michigan. In 1948, Chess-man was a 27-year-old parolee from Folsom Prison in California when he was arrested in Los Angeles as the prime suspect in the "red light bandit" incidents. The modus operandi of the bandit was distinctive: he stalked desolate areas known to be popular with couples seeking a place to park and be alone.

The bandit would walk toward a parked car carrying a red light similar to that used by police, and then assault the unsuspecting occupants of the car.

Chessman initially confessed to the crimes but later claimed that he was tortured into confessing.

He professed his innocence but was indicted on eighteen separate counts, including kidnapping, robbery, se