The brother of a victim shot and killed by a former Dallas police officer hugged her after she received a 10-year prison term for murder while saying that he forgave her.
Victim Botham Jean’s brother, Brandt Jean, was seen embracing convicted killer Amber Guyger, 31, on the afternoon of Oct. 2 following the sentence.
Brandt said that he forgave Guyger for killing his brother and loved her as he would any other person.
Then, they hugged with the permission of the judge.
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot stated that his gesture was “an amazing act of healing and forgiveness that’s rare in today’s society.”
“In 37 years, I’m trying to go back in my memory bank to see if I’ve ever seen anything like that and I don’t think I have,” Creuzot said. “I think that young man was speaking with his heart.”
Creuzot said Brandt Jean’s words left many in tears.
“That man is 18, and he’s a leader,” Creuzot said. “He should guide us in healing.”
“You can have mine. I have three or four more at home,” the judge told her. “This is the one I use every day. This is your job for the next month. It says right here. John 3:16. And this is where you start.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, following the incident, issued a statement saying he would “never, ever forget the incredible examples of love, faith and strength personified by Botham, Brandt and the entire Jean family.”
Guyger’s attorney asked jurors to show mercy, pointing to the good she did for people, including some who spoke at the hearing.
The basic facts of the shooting were not in dispute. Guyger, returning from a long shift that night, parked on the wrong floor and mistook Jean’s apartment for her own, which was directly below his. Finding the door ajar, she entered and shot him, thinking he was a burglar. He had been eating a bowl of ice cream before she fired.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
