On Friday morning in Jacksonville, Florida, Michael Dunn was convicted of killing 17-year-old Jordan Davis, whom he shot at a local gas station in November 2012 during an argument over loud music.
At the sentencing hearing, Lucia McBath and Ron Davis, Jordan’s mother and father, gave gut-wrenching statements about their pain and loss.
Lucia McBath gave her statement first:
I remember the first day we brought Jordan home from the hospital a miracle child,” she said. “For nine months, I fought to give this special child life. I remember asking God to keep him safe and out of harm’s way. I have said many prayers that he would be highly favored before God and man. I asked God that he would give him wisdom to navigate a world filled with uncertainty and danger. He was named after the river Jordan in the Bible.
As a child, he was inquisitive, full of life, fun-loving and a defender for those who couldn’t defend themselves. I miss telling him he has the perfect smile just like Grandma Davis.
For years to come, I will be forced to celebrate his birthday without his presence. As I quietly watch my friends’ boys grow into young men, I will forever be reminded of what might’ve been for my Jordan.
For me there will be no college graduation. For me there will be no daughter-in-law. For me there will be no grandchildren. For me, there will be no future generation to carry on the heritage of mine. For me, there is only the hope I cling to that I will walk hand-in-hand with Jordan again when I come home to heaven to rest.
I choose to forgive you Mr. Dunn for taking my son’s life. I choose to release the seeds of bitterness and anger and honor my son’s love. I choose to walk in the freedom of knowing God’s justice has been served. I pray that God has mercy on your soul.
Jump below the fold for the statement of Ron Davis, Jordan’s father.
