Family members of murder victims gathered outside a courthouse in Castle Rock, Colorado, in support of Robert Autobee, whose son was murdered, but who opposes the death penalty for the perpetrator. Inside the courthouse, jury selection was underway in the trial of Edward Montour, who is accused of murdering correctional officer Eric Autobee (pictured), Robert’s son. Montour originally pleaded guilty and was sentenced to death, but his conviction was overturned, and he has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The District Attorney intends to seek the death penalty if Montour is convicted. Among those joining Autobee outside the court was Tim Ricard—whose wife was also a prison guard killed by an inmate—and a relative of a woman killed by Nathan Dunlap, an inmate on Colorado’s death row. Ricard said, “I know my wife wouldn’t want somebody killed.” In a recent meeting between Robert Autobee and Montour, Autobee told Montour, “It’s a time for forgiving, and it’s a time to move on.” Montour replied, “I am deeply, deeply sorry for the pain I caused you and your family for killing your son.”

(“Murder Victim Relatives Join Death Penalty Protest,” CBS4/Associated Press, January 8, 2014). See Victims and New Voices.

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