It takes a lot of fortitude for the family member of a murder victim to oppose the death penalty. Here's one mother's letter, published in the Boston Globe:

Change of heart on death penalty
Letter to Editor: Boston Globe

12/28/2003

HAVING LOST my 19-year-old son Brian to a brutal murder in 1989, I know the hate, rage, and need for revenge victims' families can feel (''Death for Sampson,'' Page A1, Dec. 24).

But in the past 12 years I have changed my mind about the death penalty. I know that if my son's murderer had been put to death, it would not have eased my pain, nor would it have brought closure.

It certainly would not have brought Brian back. No one has the right to take a life, and that means the state.

Spending the rest of one's life in prison is a more suitable punishment. I would not want anyone put to death in Brian's name. I want only positive things to happen in his name, such as the memorial award we give out each year.

And I would rather dwell on the wonderful memories we have of Brian and not on someone's being put to death for his murder.

PHYLLIS HOTCHKISS
Saugus

This story ran on page D10 of the Boston Globe on 12/28/2003. Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation is a group comprised of many such family members. We hope their message spreads.