Family forgives killer at sentencing

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - At the sentencing of a man who shot and killed Latoya Steward's brother, she shocked the crowds who filed in for the hearing. She forgave Theron Lewis for taking Isaac Gibson's life.

"I forgive him," Steward said. "I'm doing it for me and my family because that's the only way I can get closure."

The gesture did little to change Lewis' emotionless expression. He stood confidently before Judge Francis McGee as she sentenced him to 28 years to life in prison.

Lewis shot and killed Gibson at a memorial cook-out for another homicide victim, Thomas Watson, on North Euclid Avenue in April.

"It's two families that's hurting. Theron's family and my family," said Steward. "I think we should just come together and stop the violence because it's senseless."

Police have identified Lewis as a member of the "Dayton View Hustlers" gang, and Watson as a leader of the same gang. Gibson's death came during a series of violent shootings that proved that the for the triggermen, nothing is sacred.

Lewis is also awaiting trial on charges that he fired shots into crowds at the funeral service of another homicide victim. No one was hurt in that shooting, because police said Lewis' gun jammed.