Some are overwhelmed with guilt for their crimes. Others, like Massie, are fed up with the legal system and tired and dispirited after decades in a prison cell. Massie would be the state's 9th execution and the 2nd volunteer, giving up his rights to exhaust his appeals and possibly spare his life. In 1993, David Mason chose to die in the gas chamber without a fight. More murderers in California have died of suicide or illness in San Quentin than by execution.
Legal experts say volunteers seem to emerge once a state resumes executions.
After the death penalty ban was lifted in 1976, Gary Gilmore became the 1st inmate in the country executed, insisting he die just 3 months after he was sentenced. 3 of the next 4 executions were also of inmates who abandoned their appeals. California's 2nd execution came in August 1993 after Mason said he was ready to accept his punishment for 5 brutal murders. He said he wanted to hold his head high when he walked into the death chamber. While Mason wanted to atone for his sins, Massie is among those volunteers frustrated by the death penalty and weary of what they consider a futile fight.