Sims' statement to homicide investigators following his arrest, along with his sworn testimony over several decades, not only corroborates the testimony of Alfred Coward offered at Stanley Williams' trial, but further establishes, without question, Stanley Williams' guilt.
Tony Sims was arrested on March 23, 1979, for his participation in the robbery of the 7-Eleven that led to Albert Owens' murder. After his arrest on March 23, 1979, Tony Sims spoke to homicide investigators. In that audio-taped interview, Tony Sims openly admitted his involvement and the role he played in the robbery leading up to the murder of Albert Owens.
Moreover, Sims identified the other participants as Alfred Coward (Blackie), Darryl and Stanley Williams (Tookie), identifying Stanley Williams as the man who senselessly executed Albert Owens. (People's Clemency Exhibit 1 (P. Exh. 1)).
Tony Sims was subsequently prosecuted for his role in Owens' murder. At his trial, Sims testified in his own defense. Under oath, Sims again identified Stanley Williams as Owens' killer. (P. Exh. 2).
Sims Sentenced to Life
Sims was convicted of the first-degree murder of Owens based on the felony murder rule (a killing committed during the course of a robbery). Sims was also convicted of robbery. Additionally, the allegation that a principal was armed with a shotgun was found to be true and the special circumstance of robbery-murder was found to be true.At sentencing, the court specifically found ". . . that the defendant (Sims) was not the actual killer in the sense of handling the shotgun that caused the death of the victim in this case . . .". On May 20, 1981 Sims was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus one year.
Sims Identifies Shooter
In 1982, the Second Appellate District struck the special circumstance finding of robbery-murder against Sims, holding that there was no substantial evidence that Sims aided and abetted the robbery of Owens with the intent that Owens be killed. Sims was subsequently re-sentenced to an indeterminate term of life in prison.At subsequent parole hearings, Sims, again under oath, has repeatedly identified Stanley Williams as the man who shot-gunned Owens to death. (P. Exh. 3; P. Exh. 4). Tony Sims, throughout the last 26 years, has never wavered in his identification of Stanley Williams as Owens' killer.
