On September 6, 2018, Amber Guyger, an off-duty parole officer, entered her apartment complex in Dallas and saw, what she thought, was her apartment door partially open.
When Guyger entered the apartment she found a man inside who she believed to be an intruder. She fired her gun at the man, killing him.
But Guyger was not in her apartment. She had entered the apartment of Botham Jean, a 26-year-old accountant, which was situated directly above her own.
This week Guyger was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In an astonishing display of grace, forgiveness and Christian love, Botham’s 18-year-old brother, Brandt, addressed Guyger directly from the victim stand.
Brandt told Guyger that he forgives her for killing his brother, and urged her to seek forgiveness and salvation in Christ.
The young man then left the stand and in tears hugged Guyger.
Following Brandt Jean’s gesture, Judge Tammy Kemp went over and sat down next to Guyger. Before giving her a hug, the judge then opened the Bible to John 3:16 and said: “This is where you start.”
WATCH:
If you truly are sorry, I can speak for myself, I forgive, and I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you.
And I don’t think anyone can say it—again I’m speaking for myself—but I love you just like anyone else.
And I’m not gonna say I hope you rot and die just like my brother did, but I presently 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 to 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.
I don’t know if this is possible, but can I give her a hug, please?
Please?
