When was the last time someone was sentenced to death in San Mateo County?
Briefly

San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe has announced his decision to seek the death penalty for Chunli Zhao, who is accused of a workplace killing spree claiming seven lives. This decision marks a significant moment, as only one death sentence has been carried out in the county in the last 30 years. Wagstaffe's tenure has seen a controversial history with capital punishment, having previously prosecuted several death penalty cases. His recent actions suggest a renewed willingness to pursue capital punishment amidst a backdrop of past cases from the 1980s and 1990s when the death penalty was more frequently sought.
Wagstaffe is known for his willingness to seek the death penalty in high-profile cases, only having pursued it once since taking office.
District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe's decision to pursue the death penalty against Chunli Zhao reflects a historic pattern of capital punishment in San Mateo County.
The last death sentence imposed in San Mateo was in 2009, when Alberto Alvarez was convicted for shooting a police officer.
From 1983 to 1994, prosecutors in San Mateo County sought the death penalty 18 times and won verdicts in 14 cases.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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