Family of murdered 3-year-old speaks out against death penalty decision

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Emotions are overwhelming on Wednesday for a Valley woman whose 3-year-old great-granddaughter was murdered.

Ruth Williams says Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order to stop death row executions is adding insult to injury to her family - in the worst way.

RELATED: Jurors hear gripping testimony from mother of toddler in Christopher Cheary murder trial

It's a topic that draws some pretty intense debates.

California has had the death penalty since 1978 and it can only be repealed by voters.

Governor Newsom cannot repeal the law but said on Wednesday he will grant reprieves to anyone who is sentenced to death while he's in office.

The executive order only suspends executions in the state while he's in office.

Newsom argues capital punishment costs too much and is unequally and unfairly used on the mentally disabled and people of color.

RELATED: California death row: State's death row inmates and their crimes

Local attorney Jonathan Rooker says the move goes against what California residents want.

Voters have rejected an initiative to abolish the death penalty and in 2016 approved to help speed up executions.

"That one issue is the one I take issue with the most. The fact that the voters said, 'Yes, keep it', and the governor says not while I'm here. It's different from what the voters' will is. He's supposed to represent us and that is my biggest issue with it," Rooker says.

The policy will serve as an instant reprieve for the 737 people on death row - including 39 from the Valley.

In January 2017 Exeter resident Christopher Cheary was sentenced to death for the murder of 3-year-old Sophia Acosta.

Her great-grandmother Ruth Williams is now speaking out about the governor's decision.

"I remember her sleeping in my bed and holding my hand. She would say, 'Nana, I love you.' Nobody can bring that back but she has the right to have justice."

Williams believes Christopher Cheary does not have the right to live after a jury convicted him of murdering, raping and torturing little Sophia in May of 2011.

"That was the closure we had. To see him die was my closure and I would've walked to San Quentin... I don't care - I would've walked there to watch it," she says.

Upon hearing Wednesday's news, Tulare County's District Attorney Tim Ward released a statement that read in part: "It is abundantly clear that victims and the will of California voters are not a priority for Governor Newsom."