JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
One day before Mississippi death row inmate Henry Curtis Jackson's scheduled execution, his victims, who are also his relatives, met with the governor and asked that his life be spared.
In 1991, Jackson was convicted of capital murder in the stabbing deaths of his sisters' children, two nieces and two nephews.
The children were Shunterica Lonnett Jackson, Dominique Devro Jackson, Antonio Terrell Jackson and Andrew Odutola Kuyoro, Jr.
The mothers of the children are asking that his execution be halted.
"It's highly unusual. It's actually a compelling story of forgiveness and mercy," said Jackson family attorney Cliff Johnson.
The death row inmate's sisters, Regina Jackson, who was also stabbed five times, and Glendale Kyoto and husband Andrew, have written letters to Governor Phil Bryant.
Attorney Johnson and the family met with the governor Monday.
"Here we have a family that says 'Don't kill for us'. It's not gonna bring our children back. It's only going to cause us more pain, and it's gonna make us victims again," added Johnson.
The 1991 trial was held in Copiah County due to a change of venue.
Testimony from the proceedings stated that the now 47-year-old confessed to Leflore County authorities that he went to his mother's Greenwood home and demanded money from her safe.
When his sister Regina didn't open the safe, investigators said he attacked the family with a knife then fled.
Jackson later surrendered to law officers in West Point after abandoning his car in Eupora.
A jury found him guilty of four counts of capital murder, three counts of aggravated assault and burglary charges.
His sisters have since visited him in prison, developed a relationship and don't want him to die.
"That wasn't easy. That didn't come automatically. They were angry. They were furious. They were hurt, and it's a story of healing over time," added the family attorney.
Johnson said family members will be at Parchman Tuesday and hopes the governor will grant clemency despite recent controversy over pardons.
"Do we honor the wishes of the victims' families in every case even when the family seeks mercy? Or do we only hear those voices when the family seeks vengeance," asked Johnson.
"Governor Bryant did meet with family members today and is reviewing the facts associated with this case and has no further comment at this time," said spokesman Mick Bullock.
Henry Curtis Jackson is scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection Tuesday at six p.m.
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Henry Curtis Jackson Jr. (Source: MDOC)
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