The son of a woman who was killed showed forgiveness towards the perpetrator and pleaded for the halt of the execution. Geoffrey West, aged 21 at the time, fatally shot Margaret Parrish Berry, 33, in a robbery at a gas station in Alabama on March 28, 1997. Margaret, a mother of two, was shot while lying on the floor during the incident.
West has expressed deep regret for his actions, wishing he could undo the tragic moment. Will Berry, Margaret’s son who was 11 years old at the time of the incident, has engaged in correspondence with West, extending forgiveness towards him.
Despite both parties expressing remorse and forgiveness and expressing a desire to meet, prison authorities have denied their request. They exchanged letters before West’s scheduled execution by nitrogen gas in Alabama.
Berry emphasized his forgiveness towards West, stating his opposition to the death penalty, which is still enforced in 27 U.S. states, including Alabama. Prosecutors revealed that Berry was murdered to eliminate witnesses after the robbery. West, now 50, admitted to the crime, explaining that he and his girlfriend committed the robbery to obtain money.
West, reflecting on his actions, expressed constant regret and a wish to undo the past. He mentioned the recurring guilt and desire to change the outcome. Berry conveyed his sentiments to Governor Kay Ivey, highlighting that West’s execution would not bring closure or justice for his mother’s death.
Governor Ivey responded, acknowledging Berry’s perspective but citing the state law that mandates capital punishment for severe crimes. A spokesperson from the Alabama Attorney General’s office emphasized the gravity of the crime and the necessity of carrying out the sentence due to the brutal nature of the killing.