'We Pray He Gains Peace': Over Objection of Victim's Family, Alabama Executes Geoffrey Todd West

Will Berry opposed the execution of his mother's murderer. Alabama suffocated him anyway.

On Thursday evening, under a crimson red Atmore sky, Alabama executed Geoffrey Todd West over the objections of his victim’s family.

Just two days before West’s nitrogen suffocation at the state’s hands, Will Berry, son of Margaret Parrish Berry, had pleaded with Alabama’s governor to spare his life. He also had another request—that state officials allow him to deliver a message of forgiveness to West face-to-face.

“I love you,” he wanted to tell West. “God loves you. My mother would love you, because we forgive you.”

Gov. Kay Ivey, who has now presided over two dozen executions, denied that request.

In a statement sent to media following West’s nitrogen gas execution, Attorney General Steve Marshall cited “the dignity of every victim” in his defense of the state-sanctioned killing.

“Margaret did not have to senselessly die,” Marshall wrote. “As a country, we must stand firmly in our beliefs between right and wrong, justice and forgiveness. Alabama is steadfast in our commitment to holding the guilty accountable because that is what honors the dignity of every victim. Justice is how we restore peace to the communities they leave behind.”

Berry, who was 11 at the time of his mother’s death, said prosecutors pressured him as a child to support the death penalty in West’s case. Now, nearly three decades later, Berry has been steadfast in his view: his mother wouldn’t have wanted West to be killed in her name.

Sparing West, he said, would honor his mother’s dignity, not putting him to death.

Will Berry (right) is opposed to the execution of Geoffrey West for the murder of his mother, Margaret Parrish Berry (center). Photo courtesy of Will Berry

“The state shouldn’t take a man’s life,” Berry told Tread News. “I know my mother and what she would want. She wouldn’t want this.”

Last week, West told Tread News he wanted to be remembered for love, not hate.

“I love the Lord. I love my family. And I love the Crimson Tide,” West said.

Following West’s execution, Berry said he was “stunned” the state would proceed against the wishes of his family.

“Please convey our condolences to his mother and the rest of his family,” Berry said. “From what we understand, he acted out of character that night. People he grew up with said he was a good person who got off track. We pray that he gains peace when he meets his maker.”

Berry said he plans to send West’s mother flowers.

On death row, as prison guards escorted West to the execution chamber Thursday evening, the 151 other men Alabama has condemned to die banged on their cell doors in solidarity, as is their custom, letting West know he did not walk alone.

“We beat on the doors for a lot longer than normal,” one of the men told Tread News. “That just lets you know how much we cared for him.”

Geoffrey Todd West

Earlier in the day, the rain held off just long enough for the men to hold a vigil in Holman’s yard for West, another custom. It began with a rendition of “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” according to an attendee.

“And that’s what we’ll continue to do.”

In his final statement, West apologized for his actions once again, something he and Berry wished he could’ve done in person:

"I am sorry. 

I have apologized privately to the family of Margaret Parrish Berry, and am humbled by the forgiveness her son, Will, has extended.

I was baptized into the Catholic Church earlier this year and confirmed yesterday.  I am at peace because I know where I am going and look forward to seeing Mrs. Berry when I get there.

I urge everyone, especially young people, to find God. Spend a few moments to consider the two possibilities: this was all a fluke or there is a Creator and a reason for everything. Your choice will determine where you spend eternity.

God bless you all."

Not long after they’d finished their show of solidarity, the men of Alabama’s death row watched from their cell windows as the body of their friend was taken out of Holman prison—and beyond its guarded gates—for the last time.

Geoffrey Todd West will be buried with the message of forgiveness sent to him by Will Berry, according to his lawyers.

Berry hopes that message gave West some comfort in the moments before his death.

What West didn’t receive on earth, Berry said—compassion, mercy, and forgiveness—“he’ll receive in heaven.”

“In Jesus name I pray,” he said. “Amen.”

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You can read more about Will Berry and Geoffrey West below.