Forgiveness: Thoughts on Leesa Gray, Thomas Loden, Jr., Wanda Ferris and the Perpetuation of Evil
I remember my exact thought when I heard about the murder of 16-year-old Leesa Gray: “This is the stuff that nightmares are made of.”
On June 22, 2000, Gray was driving down a rural Mississippi road when her tire went flat. Pulling off to the shoulder and turning on her flashers, the young woman prayed that someone would stop and help her.
Around 10:45pm, United States’ Marine Corp recruiter Thomas Loden, Jr. pulled up in his van. Instead of offering help, Loden grabbed Gray and threw her in the back of his van. After turning on a video camera to record the evil, Loden rapped Gray for over four hours before strangling her to death.
In September of 2001, Loden pled guilty to all of it. Immediately following his plea, Loden apologized. For his horrific crimes, Loden received the death penalty. Loden further remarked to the Gray family, “I hope this will give y’all some peace.”
I’ve heard it argued that the death penalty should be reserved for the “worst of the worst.” Repeatedly, I’ve made the argument that certain folks on death row are not the “worst of the worst.” I don’t think I can make that argument in this situation. This crime definitely fits into the category of the “worst of the worst.” Loden’s actions are pure evil.
Proponents of the death penalty would prefer that the arguments end there. Most would prefer to execute Loden themselves. It seems to me that such thinking is what got us into this mess in the first place.
Thomas Loden, Jr. served in the military for 18 years…including in combat in Operation Desert Storm. Unquestionably, his mind was destroyed by the things that we asked him to do.
Recently, I’ve heard Leesa Gray’s mother, Wanda Ferris, talk about the upcoming execution of Loden on Wednesday (December 14, 2022).
First of all, I can’t imagine what she’s been through. Every prayer that I can muster is with her. This entire situation is senseless. I hope that she feels comforted by the love of all who have been touched by this situation.
But…I couldn’t help but be struck by something that I have repeatedly heard her say…something to the degree of, “I forgive Thomas Loden, Jr. but I still want him executed.”
As much as I pray for Wanda Ferris, it is imperative to state that you can’t forgive someone and still want them executed. Such talk is about vengeance not forgiveness. Isn’t forgiveness connected to hope? Where’s the hope in killing Mr. Loden?
In addition to supporting the execution, Ms. Ferris plans to attend the execution of Thomas Loden, Jr…praying that she will find peace in the moment. Make no mistake, there will be no peace found in killing. Judging by his many extreme acts of remorse (cutting “I’m Sorry” into his chest), Loden knows that as well as anybody.
From the murder of Leesa Gray to the murder of Thomas Loden, Jr., the result of murder will always be the same…the perpetuation of evil.
Amen.
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