The offspring of a woman who was tragically killed chose to pardon the perpetrator and appealed for the termination of the execution. The incident occurred when Geoffrey West, aged 21, fatally shot Margaret Parrish Berry, 33, at an Alabama gas station during a robbery on March 28, 1997. Berry, a mother of two, was shot while lying behind the counter.
Expressing deep regret, West has expressed his desire to undo the fatal act. Will Berry, who was only 11 when his mother was killed, has corresponded with the shooter. Both parties expressed remorse and forgiveness, desiring to meet, but their request was denied by prison authorities. They exchanged letters before West’s scheduled execution by nitrogen gas in Alabama.
Berry stated, “I have forgiven him, and I do not wish for him to face death. I oppose seeking vengeance through the state on behalf of my family and me.” Berry has been vocal against capital punishment, which is still legal in Alabama, one of 27 states in the U.S. that retains it.
Prosecutors claimed Berry was killed to eliminate witnesses after the robbery. West, convicted of capital murder during a robbery, was sentenced to death with a 10-2 jury vote. West admitted to the crime, revealing that he needed money with his girlfriend and decided to rob a store where he had previously worked. At 50 years old now, he struggles to comprehend his actions at 21.
Reflecting on his actions, West expressed continual remorse, yearning to undo the past. Berry conveyed his sentiments in a letter to Governor Kay Ivey, emphasizing that West’s execution would not bring his mother back. Governor Ivey acknowledged Berry’s stance but highlighted that Alabama law mandates the death penalty for severe crimes, affirming her duty to enforce the law.
A spokesperson for Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office affirmed that West, who has been on death row for 26 years, is facing the consequences of his brutal crime.