Daughter of Slain Officer Forgives Man Who Murdered Her Father; Shares ‘Greatest Love Story’
By Alex Murashko
Shelby Houston, who delivered a stunning eulogy late last year that included sharing her strong desire to forgive the man who killed her father while he was on duty as a 21-year veteran police officer, was given the chance to do so at the end of a two-day trial (Sept. 15, 2022).
Shelby’s dad, Richard Houston, who worked for the Mesquite Police Department in Texas, died after he was shot while responding to an argument between a husband and wife near a grocery store (Dec. 3, 2021).
While the trial was still in session and after Jamie Jaramillo was sentenced to life in prison without parole, family members, including Shelby, spoke in front of the court.
PHOTO: NBCDFW/Screengrab
In the same way that she delivered her dad’s eulogy last December, Shelby gave her statement in the posture of Jesus.
“I forgive you, Jamie Jaramillo, for shooting and murdering my father,” said Shelby, reported NBCDFW. “My prayer down the road is to spend time with you. Not to yell at you, not to scold you, simply to tell you about Jesus. I want to know what makes Jamie, Jamie. I want to know about your family, what you love, what you hate. I want to hear your life stories. I want to know the heart and soul behind the gun.”
In an Instagram post, Shelby stated that it had been exactly 290 days since she waited “for this moment,” the opportunity to forgive Jaramillo.
“With tears streaming down my face, I told the greatest love story of all. Maybe some would say it was the story of me and my Dad. Yet, Jamie already knew that one. It was the lifesaving one I told. I knew on December 3rd he was desperately looking for a way out,” she posted. “So there I stood. Giving him the way out. Not only did he have permission from me, but Jesus himself too.”
More from Shelby’s post:
I watched as tears welled in his eyes — I think he knew that life wasn’t supposed to be this way. We weren’t supposed to know pain & suffering like this.
Over the past few months I’ve learned that God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn’t. I didn’t know the depth of love & forgiveness & peace. I just didn’t know I had it in me. Yet, Jesus, rich in grace & mercy — told the greatest love story of all time through the death of my Father. 290 days later, I’d say it was all worth it. So that more would know, and love, Jesus.
We’re grateful for your prayers & all the ways you’ve supported our family. I think I thought after trial I’d be able to catch my breath, maybe it would all be over. However, I’m starting to think that maybe it’s just beginning.
Run the race, my friends. When life knocks you down, you have permission to get up, & run twice as hard. It’s up to you, and it’s up to me. To make sure people like Jamie Jaramillo, know about the greatest love story of all time. Tell the story. Run it with me.
SHELBY HOUSTON ON FINDING STRENGTH TO FORGIVE AFTER HEARTBREAKING LOSS – LISTEN TO PODCAST
Alex Murashko leads the Thinke Writing Team and blogs at Media on Mission. Find him on various social media sites (@alexmurashko). GETTR username @MediaOnMission.