Ron Carlson's sister, Deborah Ruth Carlson Davis Thornton, and Jerry Lynn Dean were murdered with
a pick ax by Karla Faye Tucker and Daniel Ryan Garrett on June 13, 1983. Both Tucker and Garrett were
sentenced to death. Ron originally supported their sentences, telling the prosecutors, "I think they got what
they deserved." Ron lost his stepfather and natural father within a year of Deborah's death. "You can't imagine the
anger that was in this body," he says now. For many years, Ron treated his pain with alcohol and drugs, until
becoming a Christian and turning his life "over to the Lord" in 1990. Ron ultimately forgave Karla and Dan and worked
hard to commute their death sentences.
Dan died in prison of natural causes in 1993. Despite widespread
appeals on her behalf, Karla Faye Tucker was executed on February 3,1998, in Huntsville, Texas.
Ron was invited by Karla to witness the execution as one of her representatives. When he did so, he
become the first known victim's family member to witness an execution on behalf of the murderer.
Ron's decision caused rifts within his family that remain to be healed. But most family members
still offer their love and support. And Ron knows he made the right decision.
"I drew strength from the Lord, and I knew he was here. God reached out of heaven to hold
us in his hands and cradle us with his love and compassion. Karla died with a smile on her face.
They took her body, but they didn't kill her spirit."
Reprinted with permission from
"Not In Our Name: Murder Victims Families Speak Out Against the Death
Penalty," a publication of Murder Victims Families ForReconciliation,
Barbara Hood & Rachel King, Editors. MVFR
Links to Ron’s Journey:
