A killer's mother pleads with an Ohio jury to spare her son's life but it didn't work. On March 20, MSNBC reported that Carol Beasley testified on behalf of her son, Richard, 53, who is on trial for killing three people and injuring a fourth after luring them to his home via Craigslist ads. Despite telling the jury that Richard had a tough childhood filled with "physical and sexual abuse," the jury still recommended the death penalty for her son.
"The defense responded by calling witnesses to portray Beasley sympathetically. As his mother testified, Beasley slumped forward, his chin on his chest and his right hand covering his eyes. She described a difficult childhood for her son, with a verbally and physically abusive stepfather whom Carol Beasley characterized as a mean drunk," MSNBC reports.
When a killer's mother pleads with a jury, it's undoubtedly emotional. However, Mrs. Beasley has to realize that her son is a murderer and while his childhood may have had a role in making him a killer, his actions cannot be excused. Carol Beasley was very torn up about this as evidenced by her teary testimonial.
A psychologist was also brought in to help defend Richard Beasley but these efforts were useless. While it may have been possible to take mental state in to consideration and give Beasley a life sentence, the jury didn't waiver. The death penalty recommendation will be considered by the judge. On March 26, Judge Lynne Callahan will sentence Beasley.
If a killer's mother pleads on behalf of her son, it isn't because she is defending him per say. No mother wants to have to go through something like this and evidently Carol Beasley felt that testifying on her son's behalf could save his life. As a mother she did what she had to do.
© Effie Orfanides 2013
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