"Please Don’t Execute the Man Who Murdered My Mother”

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Please Don’t Execute the Man Who Murdered My Mother"

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present (iHeartPodcasts)
Episode Release Date: September 23, 2025

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Main Theme

This episode delves into the remarkable and heart-wrenching plea of Will Barry Robes, whose mother was murdered in 1997, as he begs Alabama authorities not to execute Jeffrey West, his mother's killer. Hosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes reflect on the power of forgiveness, the flaws in the criminal justice system concerning victim involvement, and the human capacity for grace and reconciliation—even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Central Story: A Son’s Plea to Spare His Mother’s Killer

• T.J. Holmes introduces the case: Will Barry Robes, who was 11 when his mother, Margaret Parrish Berry, was murdered by Jeffrey West, is now appealing to the state of Alabama to halt West’s scheduled execution (03:06).
• The crime occurred in 1997 during a gas station robbery. West and his girlfriend shot Berry “execution style” after robbing the store for $250 (05:30).
• The execution is scheduled for Thursday by nitrogen gas, a method recently introduced in Alabama.

2. The Astonishing Power of Forgiveness and Faith

• Amy reflects on Will Barry’s ability to forgive:
  "You can’t help but feel for this man and wish more people could have his grace and forgiveness. There's so much to be learned from what this son feels for this killer." (03:32)
• T.J. draws parallels to faith-driven forgiveness seen in other high-profile tragedies (e.g., Charleston church shooting):
  "That concept of that forgiveness, Christ on the cross: 'Forgive them, for they know not what they do.' That's the spirit of this, I suppose." (04:19)
• Will Barry’s wish goes beyond opposing the execution; he wants to meet, speak, and even pray with West.

3. Unusual Family-Criminal Relationship & Barriers

• Amy highlights the small age gap between Will Barry and Jeffrey West:
  “They're just 10 years apart… now he wants to have a relationship with this man.” (06:35)
• The two have been exchanging letters that have brought a sense of peace to both parties.
• Despite mutual agreement, security rules prevent them from meeting in person, a policy aimed at ensuring safety for all parties involved (09:02).

4. True Remorse and the Value of Human Life

• Jeffrey West has expressed deep remorse:
  “There is not a day that goes by that I don't regret it and wish that I could take that back. I wish I had the opportunity just to swap places and let it be me and not her.” — Jeffrey West (18:55)
• Amy and T.J. discuss the complicated possibility of human change and redemption after years in prison.

5. The Flaws in the System: Victims’ Voices Overlooked

• Will Barry discovered West’s approaching execution not from authorities, but by chance through a Facebook article (22:14).
• Amy offers a biting critique:
  “We don't treat victims and victims' families correctly in our legal system. Period.” (12:37)
• Both hosts lament the lack of a formal process for victim input or veto in execution cases, sparking a discussion about legal reforms.

6. Faith as a Guide for Forgiveness and Recovery

• Will Barry’s op-ed excerpts underscore his Christian faith as the bedrock for his request:
  “My faith teaches that every trial we endure brings us closer to salvation. ... For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (25:04)
• He argues that "the State of Alabama is playing God" in seeking execution, and he prefers a punishment of life without parole rather than revenge (25:26).

7. The Universality of Lost Time and the Need for Healing

• Will Barry appeals for more time before the execution, not necessarily clemency:
  “Time is working against us. Time is working against all of us... That time would allow Mr. West, his family and mine to engage in vital, healing conversations. I need time to heal.” (28:05–28:27)
• T.J. is moved by the sincerity:
  “He’s not even asking to spare his life, just give me a beat... How can you deny that on a human level?” (29:22)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Forgiveness and Faith:

• "That concept of forgiveness... Christ on the cross, 'Forgive them, for they know not what they do.' That's the spirit of this, I suppose." — T.J. Holmes (04:19)
• "My faith teaches that every trial we endure brings us closer to salvation. It teaches submission to God's will." — Will Barry (read by Amy Robach, 25:04)

On Victim Input and Legal Reform:

• "I would be totally okay... if the victim’s family says, ‘We do not want this person executed,’ then they shouldn’t be executed." — T.J. Holmes (11:17)
• "We don't treat victims and victims' families correctly in our legal system. Period." — Amy Robach (12:37)

On the Human Need for Connection and Healing:

• "There is an ending to this story where Mr. West and I find comfort in each other and in the healing power of forgiveness." — Will Barry (read by Amy Robach, 26:02)
• "Time is working against us. Time is working against all of us... I need time to heal, all right?" — Will Barry (read by Amy Robach, 28:05–28:27)

On Bureaucratic Barriers:

• "He’s not allowed to meet this man. He’s not allowed to talk to this man. And that’s all he’s asking for, is time to do so." — Amy Robach (29:22)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:06]: Introduction of the case and the execution timeline.
• [05:30]: Details of the 1997 crime and the relationship between Will Barry and Jeffrey West.
• [09:02]: Discussion of security rules preventing victim-offender meetings.
• [12:14–12:37]: Debate on legal reform and giving victims more power.
• [18:55]: Jeffrey West’s remorse and regrets.
• [20:10–28:27]: Extended reading and discussion of Will Barry’s op-ed, including faith, forgiveness, and his request.
• [29:22–30:16]: Final emotional plea for a reprieve and time for healing.

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Tone and Impact

Throughout, Amy and T.J. maintain a deeply empathetic and reflective tone, frequently moved by the human drama and the moral questions it raises. They frame Will Barry’s letter as “remarkable,” “gut-wrenching,” and “a miracle”—repeatedly expressing their own awe and sorrow.

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Conclusion

This episode is a profoundly moving exploration of forgiveness, justice, and the human longing for resolution after trauma. It challenges listeners to rethink the role of victims in the justice system, the meaning of punishment, and the transformative possibilities of faith and mercy.

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For those who haven’t listened:
This summary captures the ethical weight, emotional power, and societal questions raised in the episode—a testament to extraordinary grace and a call for legal and moral introspection.

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Transcript

[Amy Robach]

This is an iHeart podcast. Check out the intense new season of Reasonable Doubt, now Streaming on Hulu, L.A.

[TJ Holmes]

S most successful attorney Jax Stewart, defends a young actor accused of murder.

[Amy Robach]

Follow Emma, Yazzie Coronaldi, Morris Chestnut, Joseph Zakora and guest stars Cash Dahl, Lori Harvey and more as they fight their personal battles in the spotlight of the year's most sensational murder trial.

[TJ Holmes]

In the pursuit of justice, every move counts. Reasonable Doubt, Season 3, now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundled subscribers.

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[TJ Holmes]

Hey there, folks. It is Tuesday, September 23, and a man is pleading, begging the state of Alabama not to execute the convicted killer who shot his mom in the head. Welcome to this episode of Amy and TJ Rose. We hear this every once in a while, but we right now have a man begging to spare the life of the man who killed his mother.

[Amy Robach]

It's remarkable. And when you hear his impassioned plea, I you can't help but feel for this man and wish that more people could have his grace and his forgiveness. And there's so much to be learned from what this son feels for this killer. It's remarkable to me.

[TJ Holmes]

I didn't plan to go here yet, but you made me think of something. Does it require faith? Because when I hear about stories like this, oftentimes it's people of very strong faith attached to it.

[Amy Robach]

I think that that is almost certainly and almost always the case. I can't think of an example where it hasn't been attributed to God to being Christlike, to being faith. Yes, that's where it stems from.

[TJ Holmes]

Because we just saw and I obviously what we saw with Erica Kirk was a chilling moment that most of us cannot relate to in many ways, that level of forgiveness. It made us think about Charleston as well. You remember how quickly those parishioners forgave that guy who goes and shoots up a church full of people pranked, literally in Bible class. They forgave him at. It wasn't even at trial. It was like his bail hearing or something. Like very, very quickly. I don't know how. I'm not a man of that type of faith. I grew up in the church, as did you. But I, I that concept of that forgiveness, Christ on the cross, forgive them, for they know not what they do as he's being killed. That's the spirit of this, I suppose.

[Amy Robach]

And it's that value of human life and what we're hearing from this son in his plea to not have his mother's killer killed, which his execution is set for this week for Thursday, he talks about the value of this man's life and the value of being able to have conversations with him. And he even said ultimately his his wish would Be to be able to see him, meet him and pray with him. That is remarkable.

[TJ Holmes]

And yeah, we should tell you what we're talking about here. The killer is Jeffrey West. He is a convicted killer and he is, as we speak, scheduled to be executed in Alabama this week by nitrogen gas. This is supposed to happen on Thursday evening, so the clock is now ticking. He was convicted of a 1997 murder of Margaret Parrish Berry. She was a woman who was working in a gas station, had two sons. She worked there to support obviously her family. She was shot and killed. She cooperated, according to authorities, gave the money. It netted Jeffrey west and his girlfriend at the time, 250 bucks. And this woman was shot and killed as she laid on the floor behind the counter. She was executed, according to police, because they did not want to leave witnesses. That's the horror of the crime. Will Barry Robes was 11 years old at the time. That then 11 year old, now an adult male is saying that the man who did that to my mother and robbed me at 11 years old and I want to spare his life.

[Amy Robach]

Right. And Jeffrey west, the man convicted of this crime, who admits the crime, was 21 at the time. Will Barry was 11. Think about that. They're just 10 years apart. You know, they're almost in terms of just at this point in age, he's 40 and Jeffrey west is 50. And he wants to have a relationship with this man, which is remarkable to me. But it is one of the worst crimes being shot execution style. This poor woman knowing she's got two young sons at home. I can't even imagine the grief and the horror and the. And that's not a crime. That, that is one and done. That is something that you live with for the rest of your life that has affected your life from the moment your mom was taken away from you at such a young age. So for him to be able to be at this place and space in his life is nothing short of a miracle.

[TJ Holmes]

See, I thought even so, how this kind of all got going here in a lot of ways, folks, is that Barry and West. Yes. The convicted killer and the son of the woman he's convicted of killing have been exchanging letters and from all descriptions, at least I've read Robes. They like almost pleasantries. I. I don't want to go that far, but I'm saying these are notes in which they have found some kind of peace with each within each other.

[Amy Robach]

I mean it's a beautiful thing because obviously. Well, I don't say obviously because not all convicted Murderers feel this way. But Jeffrey west has expressed true remorse. And we can get into some of his specific quotes because they are powerful. And then you have Will Barry expressing this incredible desire to forgive and to have those two things come together in this moment and to have them share that back and forth where Will Barry is willing to give him grace, that is. That is just a. Something you don't see every day.

[TJ Holmes]

Well, he's requested. That's one. Forgiveness is one thing. Letting go is one thing. I mean, people have forgiven and still not try to stop an execution.

[Amy Robach]

Right.

[TJ Holmes]

This is a different situation in which west and Barry have actually requested. No, I should correct that. Barry was the one who requested. He wanted to meet with the killer. He wanted to meet the man who killed his mother. He put that request in through West's attorneys and through his team, and they okayed it, but they're not being allowed to see each other. And Rome, I guess it kind of makes sense to have these rules in place.

[Amy Robach]

They say it's about security, that you can't have a victim of the crime meet the criminal because there are security concerns. They're concerned about what people's intent might be. You say you want to go there to have a pleasant conversation or to perhaps have some closure for something, and then violence could ensue. So they just for. They just put out a. A general rule for everybody. Sorry we can't make exceptions, but this is a matter of security, which makes perfect. I get that.

[TJ Holmes]

I don't know if exceptions or any safety. Exceptions could ever be made, but this is how far he's going. I just find it remarkable, Robes, that this man is not just. He's not just pleading for the sake of pleading and just saying, I don't want that on my conscience kind of a thing. He's saying there is something valuable in this man being alive to his life that has been now denied so much because he didn't have his mom to hear that. I need this man for something in my life. Please don't kill him. That doesn't go far in the court of the law. But in a heart, in your heart, like God, whatever I need.

[Amy Robach]

We've seen this happen before where you have victims, family members, the surviving family members literally beg authorities not to put the murderer, the person who took away their loved one, to death because they don't want that on their conscience. And I believe Barry said something to the effect of, I know it's being done on my behalf in the sense that I am the person who suffered the most I am the victim of the crime because I'm the one who lost my mother and I'm the one saying, please, please, please don't murder this man on my behalf. It's almost as if he feels like it weighs on his conscience that somehow he's responsible for now what will be almost certainly the death of Jeffrey West.

[TJ Holmes]

Haven't I heard a time please, maybe you can think of one off the top of your head. But I've heard some families not want a person to be executed because no, we want to stay in prison and suffer.

[Amy Robach]

Right? Yes, I have to that it's more punishment. It's the easy way out is death. The hard way out is to actually have to live with the crime and wake up morning behind bars.

[TJ Holmes]

I would be totally okay. I don't know how this could work ever legally. But I think the victim's family should decide. If they say, no, we do not want this person executed, then they shouldn't be executed. I don't think they should be able to say, yes, but if the family says we don't wish this, I would be so fine.

[Amy Robach]

If that were written into the laws, they should have a veto, basically a veto power. Basically where they. They could say, okay, I understand that the state has sentenced him to death. I understand that a jury of his peers has sentenced him to death, but I get a veto. And if the victims agree, then I would be fully for that. That makes perfect sense.

[TJ Holmes]

We know we're not probably going to see that. No, that would also. Another thing I just thought about because so many. How many victims feel as if there's no one advocating for them. There's nobody on their side, victims, families. Even in this case of Barry talking about he didn't get any kind of heads up that there was an execution date. He had to find out about it on Facebook or something like that. Those types of things, like they don't feel like they have any power or say and oftentimes in what happens and nobody's advocating for them. So this would be some level like of involvement or control, if you will.

[Amy Robach]

Yeah. I mean, it's funny, as soon as you said that, I thought immediately of the Epstein victims. But this is just another example. And this is unfortunately the way our legal system work. We don't give enough credit to. Or at least we don't. We don't give them the bare minimum, the victims and the people left behind, to not be notified, to not be included in the process, to not be listened to, regarded, or even have what you want to happen be considered. That is. That's tough. And I don't think that's we don't treat victims and victims families correctly in our legal system. Period.

[TJ Holmes]

We hear it all the time, right? Getting victimized over and over again. Yeah, he's getting victimized. Victimized. Well, folks, this one, some of these details have been kind of chilling and they kind of stir you. They kind of inspire you to a certain degree as well. But I assure you, you ain't heard nothing yet. Stay here with us. When we come back, we are going to read some of the most powerful words from the victim's son, words in which he is making a very public plea. Do not kill the man that killed my mom.

[Amy Robach]

Check out the intense new season of Reasonable Doubt now Streaming on Hulu, L.A.

[TJ Holmes]

S most sought after and successful defense attorney Jax Stewart has seen it all. But now she'll face her toughest case yet when she defends a young actor loved by millions and accused of murder.

[Amy Robach]

Join Jax as she takes on the district attorney, the press and even her own partners to prove his innocence. The jury's verdict will determine Jax's future and the fate of her client. Follow Emma, Yazzie Coronaldi, Morris Chestnut, Joseph Zakora and guest stars Cash Dahl, Lori Harvey and more as they fight their personal battles in the spotlight of the year's most sensational murder trial.

[TJ Holmes]

In the pursuit of justice, every move counts. Reasonable Doubt, Season three now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundled subscribers. Terms apply.

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[Amy Robach]

You can make a difference in someone's.

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[Amy Robach]

Welcome back to this edition of Amy and TJ where we are talking about a scheduled education execution that is set to happen on Thursday. A man who murdered a mother of two execution style during a robbery. He is set to die by nitrogen gas in the state of Alabama. His name is Jeffrey West. He was 21 at the time of the crime. He's 50 now. But the remarkable thing about this story is the son of the woman who he murdered is now making an impassioned plea to have that execution state. He would like to see Jeffrey west live out the rest of his life behind bars. But he Would like the opportunity to meet with him, connect with him, pray with him. And he thinks there is value in letting this man live. And it is a powerful, powerful letter that he wrote to authorities trying to see if he can have any impact or any influence over this execution. Again, that is scheduled on Thursday. And just to note, Jeffrey west has. We have some quotes from him about his level of remorse. Not that that makes it okay or not that it makes him any less guilty. He says, there is not a day that goes by that I don't regret it and wish that I could take that back. Of course, he's referring to the murder. I wish I had the opportunity just to swap places and let it be me and not her.

[TJ Holmes]

Can you. I mean, it's hard to. It is difficult, but people can change, see things differently. He's had almost 30 years to think about this, and it's difficult to have remorse or feel bad for someone who did such a horrific crime. But can we be open to the possibility that what he did then is who he was and what he said now is who he is now?

[Amy Robach]

I think that's absolutely possible.

[TJ Holmes]

Hard to do.

[Amy Robach]

He was 21. Look, I'm not excusing anything that he did at all. It's disgusting, horrific, and he should be behind bars for the rest of his life. But he was 21. And it was interesting for me to think about the fact that this young kid, this son now, who is standing up for this man who murdered his mother was 11 at the time. They're 10 years apart, so they could be brothers. They.

[TJ Holmes]

Yes, they're grown men.

[Amy Robach]

Right, right. That 10 years doesn't mean anything now at this point, in terms of a difference in how they probably view the world, but certainly they've had very different experiences. And certainly Barry has suffered greatly because of what this man did.

[TJ Holmes]

And will Barry, we want to let you hear it in his words. He wrote an extended op ed a little bit back that was put in a local paper there. But he explains better than we can where his head is. I will start with his first excerpt. He says, quote, Mr. West was sentenced to death for killing my mother. His execution date is set for September 25th. But I do not want the state of Alabama to kill him. That won't bring back my mother. It will only add to the pain I have lived with since the night she was shot. I believe there is a better way, like hearing that line, how can you deny his request? Request? You haven't even heard, like, oh, some of the heaviest stuff. But that's just it's sincere and I know the law is the law. He wrote to the governor, the governor wrote back, said she has to do what the law requires her to do. I get it. But she does have the option of granting Clemens.

[Amy Robach]

She said that she has stayed one execution but that was because there was some doubt into whether or not that person had actually committed the crime. And that is the only time she's done it. It doesn't sound like she is willing to consider that in this case.

[TJ Holmes]

Should we.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Do we.

[TJ Holmes]

Remind me please don't. Prosecutors talk to families ahead of time, say hey about a plea deal. They often talk to them about pleading. Do they also give them and say hey, would you like us to go for the death penalty? Would you not? Do they.

[Amy Robach]

I don't know. I think they should. But the problem was will Barry was 11 years old at the time. So they would never take the word or the thoughts or sentiments of an 11 year old. They wouldn't put that on him. So I think he was just too young to weigh in. And I don't know what the other.

[TJ Holmes]

Family members members generally speak. I'm trying to think of cases. I'm thinking more so law and order or something. Maybe right now I'm what I'm trying to think of cases. Do prosecutors often consult with the family and take into account their wishes?

[Amy Robach]

Wouldn't it be at the discretion of the prosecutor? I don't know that there's some hard, fast rule. It probably is case by case if.

[TJ Holmes]

They some maybe do it, some maybe don't. But. Yeah, that was just. That's this guy. Your heart hurts for this guy.

[Amy Robach]

We want to read some more of what he wrote in this op ed because this will move you. My mother was the person I loved most in the world. Her absence and the senseless way she died has cast a long shadow over my life. Even so, the weeks since I learned that Governor Ivy set an execution date for Mr. West have been some of the most unsettling I can recall. My dearest wish is to meet with Mr. West. Yet with only weeks left until his execution date, it's not clear who has the power to make that happen or how to ask them directly.

[TJ Holmes]

His life from 11 years old to now, that chunk of his life he needs some resolve to. And he's got. The clock is ticking. Any answer he needs or anything, any piece he wants, the clock is ticking. For this guy. That is.

[Amy Robach]

It's. Yeah, it's a matter of days. And here's. Here's a really, really Significant part of what he wrote because we were just talking about how victims are not empowered in our legal system. And so he writes, I was a child when Mr. West took my mother's life. Old enough to understand what had happened, but too young to process it. I had no say at the trial. I've had no say since then. No one from the Alabama Attorney General's office called me in April to say they had requested an execution date. No one from the governor's office called in July when Governor Ivy said it. If my wife hadn't stumbled across an article on Facebook, I'm not sure when I would have learned, obviously, that shitty. That's horrible.

[TJ Holmes]

Okay. Obviously that's awful. Obviously, that's terrible. And I think too many, so many victims have that story, don't they? Don't they have that same story?

[Amy Robach]

This is a common theme that we need to correct, that we can correct in this country.

[TJ Holmes]

So he feels like a victim again. And now the thing that can give him peace, he says the clock is ticking for him. I. I don't. Have you seen anywhere in researching the story, I don't think he has any options left. I guess the Supreme Court maybe would be the only one with the governor.

[Amy Robach]

The governor at the end, you know, they've got the phone sitting there, but she's already said. She's already said she's not going to. So it doesn't look like there's much he can do. But just to hear this, this man's plea that this is causing him even more pain is just gut wrenching.

[TJ Holmes]

I don't know how who there is. Is there a. Who are you harming by not executing the guy? Right. So I guess the state of Alabama can say, nope, he's a horrible person. We've decided we have laws and we want him dead. But the person impacted most by his action, who gets whose word should count in this matter and this next excerpt here, Robes is the one where he really gets into and you get some insight into how his faith is informing his belief and his decision and his push and his plea to save this man's life.

[Amy Robach]

Now, I believe in the teachings of Jesus and in his words on the mount. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. My faith teaches that every trial we endure brings us closer to salvation. It teaches submission to God's will.

[TJ Holmes]

This next line here, he said that he believes that in seeking his execution, the State of Alabama is playing God. What do we do with that? Oh, this is. This is now a. A what? It's become now a death penalty debate to a certain degree, and a lot of people have an issue with that. I don't want anyone to exact revenge in my name, he says, nor in my mother's. I believe life without the possibility of parole is just punishment. There is an ending to this story where Mr. West and I find comfort in each other and in the healing power of forgiveness. What, the actual.

[Amy Robach]

That brings tears to my eyes. Because then he goes further and says, I want to tell Mr. West that I forgive him. And I want to ask questions both about what happened that night and about who he is as a man. In some ways, I suppose I just want to be in a room with him. Through his legal team, Mr. West has agreed to my request. Even in what may be the last weeks of his life, he is willing to spend time with me and reckon with the harm he has caused. I believe that speaks well of him. Despite the deadly mistake he made the night he killed my mother, I know that she forgives him and that she would want me to sit down with him. Oh, that makes me, like, cry.

[TJ Holmes]

How are you going to deny that guy's request? I know it's a legal process, but my good sweet Lord, the. The part there, he sounded like a guy that. If you were in front of him, it sounds like almost he said, I don't know. Just, please, I just want to get in the room with him. Like he doesn't have it all figured out. I just. I just need this.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Just.

[Amy Robach]

It's closure for him. It's a connection to his mother. He was the last person to see.

[TJ Holmes]

His mother alive, but he was also the one who caused her to have that last moment of life.

[Amy Robach]

Whoo.

[TJ Holmes]

This one is man.

[Amy Robach]

Wow. And then he goes on to say, and this is what we've been speaking to. The criminal justice system is not built with victims needs, wishes, and well being in mind. I know that as well as anybody, because what is being done in my name is not what I need or want. I know the clemency is a lot to ask for, but having spoken with a restorative justice specialist who is also in communication with Mr. West, I feel hopeful there could be a future where he and I might sit down together, where we might pray together.

[TJ Holmes]

Who is this guy? Who is this guy?

[Amy Robach]

An amazing human being.

[TJ Holmes]

The last. You take the last one here. I'm cried out for the moment. This.

[Amy Robach]

This last one is. Is a Powerful way to close this and to give us all something to think about. Someone we may need to forgive in our lives, even if it's ourselves. But this is just beautiful. He says time is working against us. Time is working against all of us.

[TJ Holmes]

So I, you know, that was the first point I was making. Yes. He, his first line there applies to everybody.

[Amy Robach]

Time is working against us. Whether or not she can see her way to granting clemency, at the very least I hope Governor Ivey will grant a reprieve, which she has the authority to do. That time would allow Mr. West, his family and mine to engage in vital, healing conversations. I need time to heal, all right?

[TJ Holmes]

So I have never, ever, ever, ever gotten involved politically advocating for somebody to get the death penalty or not. But he is not even asking to spare his life moving forward. Just give me a beat. She is. He's actually saying a reprieve. Just give me a reprieve so we can have some time to do what I need to do. How can you deny that like on a human level, rope. Not a legal level, not a state of Alabama. How as on a human level, it's.

[Amy Robach]

Heartbreaking because he's not allowed to meet this man. He's not allowed to talk to this man. And that's all he's asking for, is time to do so.

[TJ Holmes]

Could put them behind glass. We can, we can guarantee safety. We can do that.

[Amy Robach]

Absolutely they can, we can do that.

[TJ Holmes]

I, I just, that part just. I need a minute. Give me a reprieve, just delay to let this happen. We don't know what's going to happen. We're not obviously laws, government, Governor, these are all tough decisions and we get it. But this, if ever an exception to be made. I don't know if there's some, I don't know what the damage is, ropes in, setting a precedent or something, I don't know. But what is the damage in giving an 11 year old kid which is what he is, which is what he's stuck at as far as his relationship with his mom, giving that kid a moment he's not had.

[Amy Robach]

Unfortunately. We know how these things typically turn out. We will of course stay on top of it. But yes, right now Jeffrey West's execution is set for this Thursday. We will keep you updated. But we hope at the very least this moves some of you, all of you. I know it has certainly us to have that forgiving spirit in our hearts because you are set free from that anger and that resentment. And this is just a beautiful example in a world where we don't have many of moments like these, but also yes, very reminiscent of Erica Kirk this past week. So with that everyone, thank you for listening to us. I'm Amy Robach alongside TJ Holmes. We'll talk to you really soon.

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[Amy Robach]

Check out the new season of Reasonable Doubt now Streaming on Hulu, L.A. s most successful attorney Jack Stewart defends a young actor accused of murder. Follow Emma Yahtzee, Coronaldi, Morris Chestnut, Joseph Sakura and guest stars Kash Doll and Lori Harvey as they fight their personal battles in the spotlight of the year's most sensational trial. In the pursuit of justice, every move counts. Reasonable Doubt, Season 3, now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundle subscribers. Terms apply.

[TJ Holmes]

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[Amy Robach]

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[TJ Holmes]

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[Amy Robach]

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[TJ Holmes]

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[Amy Robach]

This is an iHeart podcast.