Marc Klaas, the father of Polly Klaas, a young girl who was kidnapped and murdered in 1993, has spoken out against California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to halt the death penalty in the state. Klaas, who runs a nonprofit organization called Klaas Kids to prevent crimes against children, referred to Newsom as “a pig” for his 2019 moratorium on executions. The moratorium means that no one in California can be executed while Newsom is in office. Klaas argues that this displays advocacy for dangerous criminals.
Polly Klaas was kidnapped from a sleepover at knifepoint and later strangled to death by Richard Allen Davis, who is currently imprisoned at San Quentin State Prison. Newsom’s decision to halt executions has drawn criticism from Klaas and others who believe that it shows a lack of justice for victims and their families.
In response to the criticism, Newsom’s office stated that the death penalty system in California has been a failure and has discriminated against mentally ill defendants, people of color, and those who cannot afford proper legal representation. The governor argued that the death penalty does not provide any public safety benefits and has wasted billions of taxpayer dollars. Newsom’s moratorium aligns with the views of other states, including Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Oregon, which have also issued moratoria on the death penalty.
Polly Klaas’ case gained widespread attention in 1993, becoming one of the first high-profile missing persons cases to circulate on the internet. Marc Klaas noted that the growth of the internet and social media has changed the way the public and law enforcement approach missing children. He highlighted the case of Gabby Petito, whose disappearance in 2021 garnered significant attention due to the internet’s ability to spread information quickly.
While Klaas acknowledged the positive aspects of the internet, he also emphasized the dark side, particularly concerning child exploitation. He warned about the proliferation of child pornography and how it emboldens pedophiles to victimize children online.
The internet has undoubtedly revolutionized the way missing persons cases are handled, allowing for faster dissemination of information and increased public awareness. However, it also presents new challenges and risks that need to be addressed to ensure the safety of children.
In conclusion, the debate over California’s death penalty system continues, with Marc Klaas expressing his strong disagreement with Governor Newsom’s moratorium. The case of Polly Klaas serves as a reminder of the importance of justice for victims and their families, as well as the evolving role of the internet in missing persons cases.
