Caryl Chessman biography   Caryl Chessman was executed in 1960
for sex crimes committed as the "Red Light bandit";
the controversial conviction made Chessman's case a cause
celebre in his day.   Chessman was just 27 years old when he was
arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of being the notorious
thief and sexual predator known as the 'Red-Light Bandit'.  The
Bandit was known to approach victims in 'Lovers Lane' spots and
flash a red light resembling that used by police in order to
stop motorists. He would then rob the vehicle's occupants and
sometimes abduct women and force them to perform sexual acts.
During the trial Chessman repeatedly refuted claims that he was
the Red Light Bandit, but could not provide evidence
corroborating his innocence.   It is still unclear as to whether
the 'Red-Light Bandit' was a single person—many claim it was
simply a useful moniker used to describe the acts of a number of
criminals. Despite such speculation, Chessman was charged with
the entire crime spree attributed to the