A guilty murderer on death row in Alabama says that he no longer wishes to delay justice for the families of the five people he killed eight years ago and is ready to face the final result of his crimes.
Alabama Murderer Prepared for Ultimate Consequence of His Crimes
In his inaugural interview with a reporter, Derrick Dearman, aged 36, revealed that he sent nine letters earlier this week to Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, as well as the judges and others involved in the case, clarifying them of his resolution to abandon his appeals and seek punishment.
Dearman stated that he is at peace with his choice, emphasizing, "Now it's time for the victims and their families to receive the justice they rightfully deserve to begin the process of closure."
Although Dearman has not yet informed the victims' relatives of his decision, he intends to write them letters.
Reflecting on his contemplation, he expressed, "I have spent many nights pondering what I would say to any of them if I ever had the chance, the opportunity to say something. That's part of the reason I've made my decision to have my sentence carried out. Words don't carry weight in this situation. The only thing I would say is that everyone hurt by my actions should forgive me, not for myself, but for them. That way, they will free their heart to truly heal."
Dearman's announcement comes two months after the Alabama Supreme Court rejected an appeal application, upholding his six murder convictions.
Notably, he was charged with six homicides because one of the victims, 22-year-old Chelsea Marie Reed, was five months pregnant, invoking Alabama's fetal homicide law.
Dearman admitted that he had gone through the appeals process primarily for the sake of his family, acknowledging their plea to fight for his life. However, he now feels that he has given them a fair chance.
Alabama Murderer Strives to Expedite Justice for Families of He Killed
Regarding forgiveness, Dearman mentioned that Robert F. Brown, the father of one of the victims, had already forgiven him. Brown stated his forgiveness stating, "I can't bring my son back... I forgive this guy because he don't know no better. I feel for his family."
Dearman's tragic sequence of events began on August 20, 2016, when, armed with an ax and firearms, he invaded a bungalow in rural Citronelle, Alabama.
Under the influence of methamphetamine and furious that his estranged girlfriend had sought refuge in her brother's home, Dearman attacked the victims while they were asleep. He then abducted his girlfriend and another victim's infant son before fleeing to his father's home.
Despite acknowledging his guilt, Dearman initially pleaded not guilty for his family's sake. However, he eventually accepted his guilt and was convicted by a jury in October 2018.
Although the protocols for a prisoner seeking execution in Alabama are unclear, Dearman has opted for lethal injection. He expressed some apprehension about the execution process but stated that his primary focus is doing the right thing.
Dearman has chosen a spiritual adviser, Reverend Dr. Jeff Hood, who expressed his opposition to the death penalty but affirmed Dearman's competency to make his own decisions.
Dearman emphasized that his decision is not a reflection of his opinion on the death penalty for other inmates. He believes that dying is preferable to spending the rest of his life in Alabama's prison system and hopes that his decision will provide closure and facilitate healing for all parties involved.
