NEW VOICES: Murder Victim’s Widow Supports Clemency for Husband’s Killer

Mamie Norwood, whose husband, Amos, was killed by Pennsylvania death row prisoner Terry Williams (pictured), recently wrote a letter to two state officials asking them to “stop trying to execute Terry Williams.”

Norwood’s letter was addressed to Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams and State Representative Mike Vereb, who oppose the death penalty moratorium imposed by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. Vereb recently introduced a legislative resolution stating that the moratorium “exhibits astounding disregard for the additional and unnecessary heartache he has now caused to the family and loved ones of Terrance Williams’ victims.”

Norwood said in her letter, “I have forgiven Terry Williams and I don’t want him executed and I have said this many times… [Y]ou have never spoken to me and you do not speak for me.”

In 2012, Norwood joined dozens of child advocates, former prosecutors and judges, mental health professionals, and five of Williams’ jurors in calling for clemency. She concluded her recent letter by saying, “I am asking that you please stop trying to execute Terry Williams. And please don’t use me for your own political gain or to get your name in the news. You should be truly ashamed of yourselves.”

Read the full text of Mamie Norwood’s letter here. UPDATE: Family members of other victims have also publicly responded to statements by other Pennsylvania prosecutors in opposition to Governor Wolf’s moratorium that falsely suggested that they supported seeking the death penalty for their family member’s murder.