Jurors urge clemency for man they sentenced to death

American army veteran Timothy Adams (left) is scheduled to be executed in Texas on February 22nd. He was sent to death row for fatally shooting his 19 month old son after flying into a rage during a fight with his wife in 2002, after which he threatened to commit suicide.

Now 3 of the jurors who sent him to death row are urging his life to be spared two weeks before the sentence they helped to hand down is carried out.

Along with Adams' lawyers and family, the 3 jurors filed a petition on Monday with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and governor Rick Perry. They say they were not given a complete picture of Adam's character and religious background during his murder trial. They are seeking the sentence to be reduced to life without the possibility of parole.

Adams took full responsibility for the killing and pleaded guilty. Admission of guilt is usually enough to avoid a death sentence. Adams was not so lucky.

The 42 year old's family are also appealing for clemency. His parents, grandparents of the victim, say they have forgiven him.

"Our family lost 1 child," Adams' father, Columbus Adams wrote. "We can't bear to lose another. After my grandson's death, we lived through pain worse than anyone could imagine.
"Nothing good will come from executing my son, Tim, and causing us more anguish. We pray that God will fill Governor Perry's heart with compassion. If not for Tim, then at least for our family."


When people argue with me about the death penalty, they usually bring up the argument 'but what if someone you loved was killed? Wouldn't you want to see the killer die?' No, I believe in forgiveness, but that's not my point here - my point is that the family of the victim in this case is losing yet another loved one if the execution goes ahead. Where is the logic in that? I've rarely heard such a case where the application of the death penalty has actually made things so much worse for all involved. Are we, as a society, so desperate for our pound of flesh that we just throw the idea of closure for victim's families out as a justification for our acts, even when the concept doesn't apply?
I sure hope not.