I have been thinking about this ever since I witnessed it a few weeks back. I thought I would let you know, because it was just some thing to see.
I was in the 104th District Court a few weeks back. Jeanette O'Fallon was there to be sentenced for a hit and run. O'Fallon had been in a pick up truck, drinking and driving, when she hit Heather Ince, who was riding a bike. It happened last year, and Ince died as a result. O'Fallon was eventually caught.
During the sentencing hearing, we in the court room, about 4 people, heard about O'Fallons other run ins with the law, all so the Judge could consider when he is deciding on a sentance. Well O'Fallon was sentenced to, I think, 10 years in prison, I could be wrong, but it's o.k, because what happened next is what I can't get off my mind.
Anytime there is a crime and there are victims, when the criminal gets sentanced, the victims of the crime get a chance to make a victim's impact statement. It is just a chance for the victims to get things off of their chest in the presents of the perpetrator. The statement is not recorded by the court reporter, but who ever is giving the victim impact statement usually takes the stand so that they can be heard.
In the court room, watching the proceedings, was Heather Ince's Dad and Step Mother, who was crying the whole time we were in the court room. When it came time for the victim impact statement, Heather's dad said "Yes, I feel like I have something to say."
The Judge then asked Heather's Dad if he would like to take the stand, and he said no, he would sit where the jury sits, so he could look right at Jeanette O'Fallon, who was expressionless the whole time, till now. Heather's dad said, "There are two things that I've done that were the most difficult things I've ever done in my life. One was loosing my daughter and the other is forgiving you."
O'Fallon Cried as she waited for Sheriff's deputies to take her back to jail.
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Wow, thanks for sharing this...it is truly powerful and inspiring! Also, Victor we are having a stop the violence meeting this week, holler at me if you want more info.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of another great story. A year or so ago, I was busy about my morning routine, hurrying around to get off to work when I happened pause to glimpse a 15 second news item on the tube. Patty Porter, was in that same place, expressing her feelings toward the man that fathered a son with her daughter Jessica, and ended up killing her in the presence of their then 2 1/2 year old son. Patty Porter had fought an pleaded for the court to spare this man from the death penalty, from which he was spared and given a life sentence. When she made her final comments in front of the court directed towards her daughter's killer, Paty Porter told him that she forgave him and that it was her hope and prayer that she could raise her grandson to forgive him as well so that the two of them could have a relationship. The family of the killer wept. I knew then and there, that that was the kind of prayer God would definably answer, just as she had prayed it! How will we use our 15 seconds of fame?
ReplyDeleteTo HIM be the Glory, and the power, forever and ever Amen!