Indignities

On May 2, 1960 Caryl Chessman, (shown here with his attorney, Rosalie Asher) convicted of robbery, kidnapping and rape was executed at San Quentin Prison. He was known as the Red Light Bandit because he'd follow cars to lovers lanes and shine a red flashlight into the cars, tricking the passengers into thinking he was a policeman. Because of some law having to do with the Lindbergh kidnapping, Chessman was found guilty of kidnapping because he dragged a girl out of and away from her car in order to get oral sex. Interesting legal maneuver, to be sure. On May 4, 1960, the headlines of the Los Angeles Mirror News screamed "Tearful Lucille Ball Wins Divorce"...."Says Desi Often Had Tantrums" and "NEW CHESSMAN FUROR OVER CEMETERY'S BAN." Seems Forest Lawn in Glendale would not take Chessman's ashes because he'd been both unrepentant and an agnostic. According to findagrave.com. his ashes were scattered at sea. So, why do I write about this dude? It's because of the article below, which sounds like a John Waters' movie.