Family members of James Anderson (pictured), who was killed on June 26 in Jackson, Mississippi, are asking the District Attorney not to seek the death penalty for Anderson’s killer. Deryl Dedmon, a white teenager, was charged with Anderson’s murder after he and other white teens took turns beating him. Dedmon then drove over Anderson with a truck. Barbara Anderson Young, the victim’s sister, wrote a letter to the D.A. on behalf of their mother and two brothers, saying that their opposition to the death penalty is “deeply rooted in our religious faith, a faith that was central in James’ life as well.” The letter continued, “We also oppose the death penalty because it historically has been used in Mississippi and the South primarily against people of color for killing whites. Executing James’ killers will not help balance the scales. But sparing them may help to spark a dialogue that one day will lead to the elimination of capital punishment.” On September 21, Texas executed Lawrence Brewer, a white supremacist who dragged an African-American man to death in Jasper 13 years ago. Some members of the victim’s family also opposed the death penalty.
(C. Caron, “Death Penalty ‘Unlikely’ for White Teen Accused of Running Over Black Man,” ABC News, September 21, 2011). See Race and Victims.
