Amanda Blackburn: Pastor whose pregnant wife was murdered chooses 'route of forgiveness’
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Version 0 of 1. A teenager has been charged with murder over the death of the pregnant wife of a church pastor who was shot and killed while her husband was at the gym. Police in Indianapolis said on Monday morning that Larry Taylor, 18, had been charged over the shooting Amanda Blackburn, 28, earlier this month. She was 13 weeks pregnant at the time and the unborn child did not survive. Police believe Mr Taylor planned to rob the Blackburn's home. Ms Blackburn’s 15-month-old son was at home of the time of the November 10 attack, but he was unharmed. She died the following day. “I think the most confusing things in life are when it seems like bad things happen to good people,” Ms Blackburn’s husband, Davey Blackburn, told NBC News. “Amanda didn’t have an enemy in the world. Not one. We don't get it. We’re confused and we’re distraught.” Reports said it was unclear whether Mr Taylor had yet been assigned a lawyer. “All victims of criminal homicides deserve closure, and as a community we must send a collective message that violence is not an option,” Police Chief Rick Hite said in the statement. “Our detectives have worked tirelessly going days without sleep to solve murders in our city.” On Monday morning, Mr Blackburn released a statement, that said he was trying to remain positive and inspired by the actions of his wife. “Though it does not undo the pain we are feeling, I was extremely relieved to get the news of the arrest made last night of Amanda’s killer," it said. He added: "Though everything inside of me wants to hate, be angry, and slip into despair I choose the route of forgiveness, grace and hope. If there is one thing I’ve learned from Amanda in the 10 years we were together, it’s this: choosing to let my emotions drive my decisions is recipe for a hopeless and fruitless life." |