Caryl Chessman
Caryl Chessman Born Caryl Whittier Chessman (1921-05-27)May 27, 1921 St. Joseph, Michigan, U.S. Died May 2, 1960(1960-05-02) (aged 38) San Quentin, California, U.S. Cause of death Execution (Gas chamber) Nationality American Criminal charge Robbery, kidnapping, and rape (17 counts) Criminal penalty Death Criminal status Executed Date apprehended January 23, 1948 Imprisoned at San Quentin State Prison Caryl Whittier Chessman (May 27, 1921 – May 2, 1960) was a convicted robber, kidnapper and rapist who was sentenced to death for a series of crimes committed in January 1948 in the Greater Los Angeles Area. His case attracted worldwide attention, and helped propel the movement to abolish capital punishment in California. While in prison, Chessman authored four books including his memoirs Cell 2455, Death Row. The book was adapted for the screen in 1955 and stars William Campbell as Chessman.