There would have been no "he might kill again" if he got life w/o parole. The reason for killing him was revenge, pure and simple. This emotional sentiment lives in our reptile brain. Presumably, humans have "evolved" somewhat beyond that level of consciousness. (Of course, some have not. And some still do not accept evolution as fact, but that is another thread.)

Most of the industrialized nations of the world have banned the death penalty. Look at the list of countries that have not, and ask yourself if you like being among that crowd:

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0777460.html

And what about all those who have been through the system and all its appeals to be miraculously found not guilty by new means of evidence? How many were executed anyway who were innocent of any crime? Are a few such cases reasonable collateral damage?

Let's hope there are no riots. Let's also hope that the Governator has signed his own political death certificate. I am embarassed (as a American) and pained that so many people still think that execution is a legitimate part of the judicial system.