Watch CBS News

Families Of Murder Victims Seek Death Penalty Reforms In California

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Advocates for death penalty reform are trying to get sweeping changes made in the way California's justice system.

On Friday, a large group of power players — among them people who have lost loved ones to murder — made their case to the media.

The group, in turn, wants the voters to make the final call on their reform ideas at the ballot box.

KCAL9's Dave Lopez attended the gathering.

Kermit Alexander, onetime NFL player, was among those who spoke. A gang member killed his mother and three other relatives.

"He put three shots into my mother's head," said Alexander choking back tears. The gang member — namely Tiequon Aundray Cox — was sentenced to death in 1865, and is still on death row.

"And her last words were 'Please don't hurt my mother and sister,'" said Marc Klaas, speaking about his daughter Polly.

Her murderer was sentenced to death 22 years ago.

"That isn't justice for my daughter," Klaas said.

Read the rest of the story on CBSLA.com.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.