USA - Nebraska. Reaction to Death Penalty Repeal.

Reaction to Death Penalty Repeal. Plenty of people came out to Lincoln Wednesday to witness the historic vote, overriding Governor Pete Ricketts' veto of a death penalty appeal, for themselves. Cheers came from outside the legislative chambers as the votes came in. "We did it. I can't believe it. They had me on pins and needles, but we did it," said Miriam Kelle. Kelle said she has been working against the death penalty for a decade. In 1985 her brother, James Thimm, was killed by cult leader Michael Ryan. Ryan died of cancer on Tuesday after 30 years in prison. "Just tears of joy. First time on this issue that we've had tears of joy," she said. But, Kelle said her work is not over. "We don't want anyone to be considered evil. We want behavioral health for young people and small children so that everyone can be productive," said Kelle.