"The family of a college student who was murdered by a pizzeria worker nearly two years ago will ask a judge to spare her killer's life. Tom Murray, the victim's father, said Tuesday the family believes Gregory McKnight should spend the rest of his life in prison but should not be given a death sentence for killing Emily Murray. "We're going to ask the judge to consider a sentence that would assure McKnight dies in prison but not in the hands of the executioner," Tom Murray said."

A jury recommended the death penalty for Emily Murray's killer, but Emily opposed the death penalty and her parents want to honor her beliefs.

The number of family victims who oppose the death penalty for their loved ones' murders has been steadily growing in recent years. Among the most vocal organizations advancing this welcome shift is Murder Victims' Families For Reconciliation (MVFR).

Founded in 1976 by Marie Deans, the guiding prinicple of the group has been:

"From experience, we know that revenge is not the answer. The answer lies in reducing violence, not causing more death. The answer lies in supporting those who grieve for their lost loved ones, not creating more grieving families. It is time we break the cycle of violence. To those who say society must take a life for a life, we say: "not in our name."

This is a non-profit organization without a religious agenda. Its members come from diverse racial, geographic, economic and religious backgrounds. Their bond has its roots in the loss of a family member due to a criminal act.

We applaud them.