Las Vegas mother explains why she forgave her son’s killer

On her way to face her son’s killer in court, Cynthia Portaro made a decision that shocked everyone.

“It was the morning of the verdict,” the Las Vegas mother recalled to FOX News Digital. She said, “I just heard God’s voice telling me to forgive. I didn’t know what to do or even how to respond to it, but I wanted to be obedient.

“Then I heard, ‘Abolish the death penalty,'” she said. “I thought, ‘What? I can’t do that.’ Then I heard a voice saying, ‘Go and try it.'”

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Portaro is speaking out about his son’s shooting death on Oxygen’s true crime series “Sin City Murders.” The show details gruesome murders that “haunt Las Vegas’ glamorous Strip and vast desert.”

“My faith has made me stronger,” said the former interior designer. “I want to show people that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I don’t know your faith, but I know mine. It’s not weakness, it’s humility. is.”

Michael “Mikey” Portaro, an aspiring hip-hop artist, was murdered outside a pub in 2011. He was 22 years old. He was shot several times, including in the head. Investigators said cash was found on the ground, as well as Michael’s cell phone.

Michael Portaro (right), an aspiring hip-hop artist, was shot and killed in 2011. He was 22 years old. (oxygen)

“There wasn’t a single person in this town who didn’t like or love my son,” the mother of five said, fighting back tears. “He was funny, kind-hearted, intelligent, and a very loving person to people. He always defended anyone who was being bullied at school, no matter their position. He was a great athlete and a great He was a great student and an all-around nice guy.” ”

Portaro still vividly remembers the last time he spoke to his son.

“Mike and I worked together,” she explained. “I remember he was going out to sell tickets for a concert and he asked me if he could leave early. … I said, ‘Sure. Be careful outside. Please, have fun and I’ll see you at home.’ …He said, ‘Thank you, Mom. You’re the best. I love you.’

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Cynthia Portaro (right) said her son, Michael Portaro, is beloved by the community. (oxygen)

“That was the last conversation we had,” she said.

Police found a cigarette butt under Michael’s body. But his gray 2006 Nissan Altima was missing. Investigators checked a nearby security camera and saw Michael park his car in the bar’s parking lot, get out of his car and stand near it. At that time, another car came in. Michael walked up to the car and leaned out the passenger side window.

Investigators initially suspected a drug deal was taking place. However, there was not enough evidence to support that claim. I also checked an account where Portaro’s son sells concert tickets. Michael’s autopsy showed no traces of drugs or alcohol in his system.

Camera footage showed a man wearing black clothes running away from the crime scene. (oxygen)

However, it didn’t take long for police to find the culprit. Video footage also showed a man with his face covered. He appeared to have a cigarette hanging from his mouth. He approached Michael and a scuffle ensued. Michael was then seen falling to the ground as the car sped away.

The Portaro family has placed a $30,000 reward for the arrest and capture of Michael’s killer. According to the episode, an anonymous tip came in prompting police to investigate Brandon J. Hill. He was recently arrested for carrying a concealed gun.

Hill was tracked down and his gun was seized as evidence. Ballistics analysis determined that the 22-year-old’s weapon, a revolver, matched the one that fired the bullet that killed Michael. Hill denied his involvement in Michael’s murder.

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Brandon Hill’s revolver was seized as evidence. (oxygen)

The tragedy of the Portaro family was not over.

In 2011, a few months after Michael’s death, Portaro’s daughter Christina died in an ATV accident. She was 16 years old. In 2012, Portaro was diagnosed with cancer, and a few months later, her husband was also diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 61.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, the doctors told me I had six months to live,” Portaro said. “I said, ‘I don’t care. You may be my doctor, but you’re not my doctor.’ … I wasn’t going to let this be the end for me.”

Michael Portaro’s sister, Christina Portaro, died in 2011 at the age of 16. (oxygen)

“I believe in doctors and I believe in medicine,” she added. “But I also believe in God. I believe that God created things to help us fight all kinds of diseases. Some live and some die, I know that. But I also knew I wasn’t going to die. I wasn’t going to die.” Please forgive my other three surviving children for losing another loved one. ”

Analysis showed that DNA found on a cigarette at the crime scene matched Hill’s DNA. Blood stains found on the shoe also matched Michael’s. He was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A jury found Hill guilty on February 20, 2015. The death penalty was on the table.

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Michael Portaro (center) is pictured with his family. (oxygen)

“I was sitting in the courtroom and next to me was my mother who was hurting,” Portaro said, remembering Hill’s mother. “I remember his cousin coming to me and saying, ‘Mr. Portaro, I’m so sorry that this happened. Please know that my family is praying for you. If my cousin did the same thing, please know: “We don’t hate you. We have nothing against you.”

“It softened my heart,” she admitted. “There were two families hurting here. … And the truth is, I don’t believe that anyone but God has the right to take a life. I asked that the death penalty be dropped. I know what you were thinking.”

Hill was sentenced to 28 years to life in prison, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Cancer survivor Cynthia Portaro is determined to continue her son’s legacy. We see Michael Portaro performing on stage. (oxygen)

Hill apologized to Portaro after the sentencing.

“Does he have any regrets sitting in prison? I don’t know,” Portaro said. “And I don’t want to know. He has a life in prison. I have a life out of prison, but I can’t have my son here because of his actions. He needs an example.” He has a chance to be a prisoner. He has a chance to go to school and build his own life, whether in prison or out of prison. Will he have a chance at parole? I don’t know. He will be in his 50s in 28 years. If that happens, God bless him.”

Portaro is currently cancer-free. She is also a life coach for people struggling with grief. She also wrote a book called Beyond the Unthinkable.

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Cynthia Portaro wrote a book about coping with grief, Beyond the Unthinkable. (oxygen)

According to Oxygen, Portaro is active in the Nevada Coalition Against the Death Penalty. She wants judges to be tougher on criminals and keep them behind bars.

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“I remember how my children and husband lived on Earth,” Portaro recalled. “It was a life full of love. And when a loved one passes away, they shouldn’t be forgotten. So how can I create something that will live on through me, something that will help keep that memory alive?” That’s what’s in my heart, that’s my memory.” And I believe that reform is possible. Reform can happen. ”