Dennis Shepard Statement (cont.)
not the 1920s, 30s and 40s of Nazi Germany.
My son died because of your ignorance and
intolerance. I can’t bring him back. But I can do
my best to see that this never, ever happens
to another person or another family again.
As I mentioned earlier, my son has become a
symbol—a symbol against hate and people
like you; a symbol for encouraging respect for
individuality; for appreciating that someone is
different; for tolerance. I miss my son, but I’m
proud to be able to say that he is my son.
Mr. McKinney, one final comment before I
sit, and this is the reason that I stand before
you now. At no time since Matt was found
at the fence and taken to the hospital have
Judy and I made any statements about our
beliefs concerning the death penalty. We felt
that that would be an undue influence on
any prospective juror. Judy has been quoted
by some right-wing groups as being against
the death penalty. It has been stated that
Matt was against the death penalty. Both of
these statements are wrong. We have held
family discussions and talked about the
death penalty. Matt believed that there were
incidents and crimes that justified the death
penalty. For example, he and I discussed the
horrible death of James Byrd, Jr., in Jasper,
Texas. It was his opinion that the death
penalty should be sought and that no expense
should be spared to bring those responsible
for this murder to justice. Little did we know
that the same response would come about
involving Matt. I, too, believe in the death
penalty. I would like nothing better than to
see you die, Mr. McKinney. However, this is the
time to begin the healing process. To show
mercy to someone who refused to show any
mercy. To use this as the first step in my own
closure about losing Matt. Mr. McKinney, I am
not doing this because of your family. I am
definitely not doing this because of the crass
and unwarranted pressures put on by the
religious community. If anything, that hardens
my resolve to see you die. Mr. McKinney, I’m
going to grant you life, as hard as that is for
me to do, because of Matthew. Every time you
celebrate Christmas, a birthday, or the Fourth of
July, remember that Matt isn’t. Every time that
you wake up in that prison cell, remember that
you had the opportunity and the ability to stop
your actions that night. Every time that you
see your cell mate, remember that you had a
choice, and now you are living that choice. You
robbed me of something very precious, and I
will never forgive you for that. Mr. McKinney,
I give you life in the memory of one who no
longer lives. May you have a long life, and may
you thank Matthew every day for it.
Photo of Matthew Shepard with his grandfather.
Courtesy of the Shepard family.
The Laramie Project | 9