A convicted murderer asked for his victim's forgiveness...

A convicted murderer asked for his victim's forgiveness as he avoided a jury-imposed death sentence because of issues tied to his nationality. Gerardo Valdez, a Mexican national, was resentenced to life without parole for the 1989 murder of Juan Barron. (see also june 6, 2020, June 16, 2001, July 7, 2001, May 1, 2002) Valdez, 43, was within days of execution in 2001 when the state Pardon and Parole Board voted for clemency. Valdez had never been informed of his right to contact the Mexican consulate for assistance. Mexican President Vicente Fox made a personal plea to Gov. Frank Keating on Valdez's behalf. Keating denied clemency but issued a stay, giving Valdez time to file an appeal. The Court of Criminal Appeals left the jury's verdict intact but ordered a new sentencing, which came under an agreement with Grady County District Attorney Robert E. "Gene" Christian.