A man forgave an ex-cop who killed his brother, telling her in the courtroom that he wanted the best for her—and the best for her would be to give her life to Christ.
Brandt Jean held back tears as he publicly forgave Amber Guyger, who shot and killed youth pastor Botham Jean in his own apartment on Sept. 6, 2018. She entered what she thought was her apartment when she saw the young man eating ice cream, according to CNN.
Defense attorneys argued that Guyger shot Botham in what she believed to be self-defense, but prosecutors contended that her chain of actions was unreasonable and unwarranted in such a situation. The case has garnered national attention in the last year as many argue Botham’s death was a result of racism. Prosecutors presented evidence of racist and violent texts Guyger had deleted from her phone.
Guyger was convicted of murder and given a 10-year sentence. While protesters outside the courtroom argued that the sentence was far too light, Botham’s 18-year-old brother, Brandt, told Guyger in his statement that he didn’t even want her to get jail time.
“I don’t want to say twice or for the 100th time how much you’ve taken from us,” he said from the stand. “I think you know that. But I just hope you go to God with all the guilt, all the bad things you may have done in the past. Each and every one of us have done something that we’re not supposed to do. If you truly are sorry—I know I can speak for myself—I forgive you. I know if you go to God and ask Him, He will forgive you.
“I’m speaking for myself, not even on behalf of my family, but I love you just like anyone else. I’m not going to say I hope you rot and die just like my brother did. But I personally want the best for you. And I wasn’t going to ever say this in front of my family or anyone, but I don’t even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you because I know that’s exactly what Botham would want you to do. And the best would be, give your life to Christ.
“I’m not going to say anything else. I think giving your life to Christ would be the best thing that Botham would want you to do. Again, I love you as a person, and I don’t wish anything bad on you.”
Brandt then asked Judge Tammy Kemp if he could give Guyger a hug. After his second “Please?” the judge gave permission, and Brandt hugged Guyger, who sobbed on his shoulder for at least 30 seconds.
Watch the powerful moment here. {eoa}
