The son of a woman who was fatally shot during a gas station robbery almost 30 years ago is appealing to Alabama officials to spare the lives of death row inmates set to be executed in two days.
Margaret Parrish Berry, a 33-year-old mother of two, was discovered behind the counter of a gas station in Etowah County, Alabama, on March 28, 1997.
The perpetrator managed to take $250 from a cookie jar where the store kept its cash hidden.
Jeffrey Todd West, then 21, was arrested and later convicted of murder related to the case.
In 1999, he received a death sentence, though the judge acknowledged the challenge of imposing such a severe sentence on someone so young.
West admits to killing Margaret and has been grappling with the aftermath of that event. At the time, he and his girlfriend found themselves asking for cash, which led them to the gas station.
Now 50, West struggles to understand what might have pushed his younger self to commit such a crime.
“I don’t regret it, and I wouldn’t want to change it,” West shared. “I often think, if only I could have taken her place.”
Margaret’s son, Will Berry, is now advocating for the man’s life.
“I forgive this guy. I don’t want him to die. I don’t want revenge in my name or my mother’s name,” Will expressed.
Just 11 years old when his mother was murdered, he has spoken about the profound impact that loss had on his life. He credited his wife Courtney and his church community for their support during such a traumatic period.
Will also carries forward the important lessons his mother instilled in him, especially about forgiveness during difficult times.
“There should be healing instead of more death. That’s what we need,” he stated.
He has already reached out to Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, urging her to halt the execution, but she has not shown any sign of reconsideration.
In his letter, he conveyed how perpetuating a cycle of violence would only add to his pain, emphasizing that it wouldn’t bring his mother back.
Governor Ivey, who previously halted an execution over doubts about a prisoner’s guilt, defended her position, claiming it is her responsibility to uphold Alabama law regarding the death penalty for severe crimes.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed the governor’s stance, stating that West has remained on death row for 26 years, making it time for his sentence to be carried out.
As West faces his execution by nitrogen hypoxia later this week, he hopes others in similar situations understand that there are always alternatives.
“If you find yourself in a dark place, seek out help. Talk to someone—don’t do what I did. There are always options,” West advised.
The request for a face-to-face meeting between Berry and West has been denied due to security reasons.
