Family Member Of Child Murdered By Cruz, Said Jury Verdict Was 11-1 In Favor Of Death

[Ms. Toad]

43. Except that it doesn't actually bring closure.

Death penalty appeals are extensive - since the penalty is the ultimate penalty.

Many cancer patients who have large tumors removed are left with an open wound, because closing it to heal is too risky. Death penalty appeals are the emotional equivalent of these open wounds. Each appeal is like poking a stick into the still open wound and stirring it around.

And even when carried out - an average of 15 years later - the execution rarely brings closure to the families.

Here is some information: https://ejusa.org/resource/the-closure-myth/

https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0813531823

Full disclosure: I am both the sibling of a murderer who was on death row for 2 decades, who came within 36 hours of execution - and a friend/distant cousin of one of his victims. All of the closest family members of my brother's victims asked that he not be put to death. The largely estranged parents of one of his two victims wanted him executed - but, even more, just wanted to never hear his hame again.