In New Haven, Mom Forgives Son's Killer
Victoria Coward: "There's no hatred in my heart"
As the man who shot her son was sentenced to 30 years behind bars, Victoria Coward turned to him and amid tears pledged to help him through his time in prison.
The emotional exchange took place in a fourth-floor courtroom on Church Street Tuesday morning, where Jose Fuentes Pillich was sentenced to a prison term of 40 years, suspended after 30, plus three years of probation.
Pillich accepted a plea agreement in which he pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge for his role in the death of Tyler Coward in June 2007. That’s when Pillich shot Tyler in the head and chest near the sundial in Edgewood Park, killing him. See previous coverage here and here.
Despite that brutal crime, Tyler’s mom Victoria and other family members found their way to forgiveness. They shared those feelings—as well as feelings of grief and anger—with Pillich in the courtroom on Tuesday.
The exchange offered a modicum of closure for Tyler’s loved ones. But his mom said it’s not over for her.
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