Explanation for Death Penalty Sought in Fatal Smuggling Case

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Judge asks prosecutors whether racism played a role in requesting capital punishment only for the truck driver, who is black.

Tyrone Williams was a working-class truck driver from Schenectady, N.Y., who typically spent his days hauling milk south and watermelons north. In May 2003, however, he allegedly was promised $5,000 to carry a truckload of undocumented immigrants to Houston. Fourteen suspects were indicted in connection with the operation, but Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft announced that the government would seek the death penalty against just one — Williams.

Posted by katherine at 11:41 AM