Nobel nomination of convicted LA killer draws fire, praise

LOS ANGELES - The Nobel Peace Prize nomination of a death row inmate who co-founded the Crips is drawing both fire and praise in the city where he was convicted of four murders.

Stanley ''Tookie'' Williams, who has been in prison for more than 19 years, was nominated by a member of the Swiss parliament on the basis of children's books he has written. The books recount his life of crime and urge youths to stay clear of gangs.

Former gang members who see Williams as a role model for rehabilitation are delighted with his nomination. Law enforcement officers are shocked.

''The man murdered four people and is responsible for helping form the Crips,'' said Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Wes McBride, president of the California Association of Gang Investigators. ''His creation has spread across the country and internationally.''

McBride said he wrote to the Nobel committee to oppose Williams' nomination. ''We should never elevate gang members to statesmen,'' he said.

Malik Spellman, an activist who helped broker a 1992 gang peace treaty, said the nomination is an example of how gang members can turn their lives around.

''I was elated, man,'' he said. ''I was so honored because people who are peacemakers in the streets should be nominated.''

Swiss parliament member Mario Fehr, who nominated Williams for the 2001 peace prize, said he thought it would focus attention on gang violence and the death penalty.

Williams was sentenced to death in 1981 for fatally shooting Alvin Owens, a convenience store worker. He was also convicted of using a shotgun a few days later to kill two Los Angeles motel proprietors and their daughter during another robbery. Williams says he is innocent and is appealing his convictions.

Perhaps his most infamous legacy will be the Crips gang, which authorities say he co-founded in 1971 with a friend. There are now hundreds of spinoffs and copycat gangs.

Since his imprisonment, Williams has apologized for the misery caused by the Crips. With the help of journalist Barbara Becnel, he has written eight books in a series called ''Tookie Speaks Out Against Gang Violence.''

San Quentin spokesman Vernell Crittendon said prison officials believe Williams is still involved with a Crips gang. He said that Williams has spent 92 months in isolated custody for ''serious rule violations, including battery on inmates and threatening staff.''

Williams' supporter say that he has not been disciplined since 1993.