JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
In less than 24 hours, the Mississippi Supreme Court will take over the challenge to resolve whether the pardons granted by former Governor Haley Barbour were Constitutional.
One of the victim's of a man pardoned by Barbour believes the law is on his side and he's optimistic the pardons will be reversed.
"I get a phone call that he's been pardoned unconditionally he's going to be a free man," said Randy Walker.
Walker received that call in January. That's when he found out that David Gatlin, the man who killed his friend Tammy and shot him in the head, was one of more than 200 convicted criminals, pardoned by Barbour.
"Haley Barbour made a huge mistake to pardon these guys because most of them are cold-blooded, pre-meditated murderers," said Walker.
Nearly 20 years after the shooting, Walker recalls the 1993 attack as if it just happened.
He said, "I still remember the pungent odor of the gun powder, it's very real for me today as it was that day."
Attorney General Jim Hood has reported that many of those pardoned didn't follow protocol, by publishing a thirty day notice requesting a pardon. So, when Walker attends Thursday's Supreme Court hearing, he says he's optimistic the pardons will be reversed.
"It's a pretty clear, cut case there's no interpretation involved in this I don't see how they can win, I'm going in there with a positive attitude," said Walker.
Walker said there's not much he can do about the ruling the High Court will make, but that's not the case when it comes to pushing for legislation at the state Capitol. He wants lawmakers to quickly consider creating new pardon legislation. The legislation would forbid Governor's from making pardons during their last three months in office and require hearings before pardons are granted.
"We never had a say in any of this, no victim has ever has ever gotten a say," said Walker.
The Supreme Court hearing begins at 9:00 Thursday morning. You can also watch it live here at wlbt.com.
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