Local

In the name of murdered St. Augustine priest, demonstrators come together against the death penalty

By Danielle Avitable, Action News Jax
By Danielle Avitable, Action News Jax

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Those close to Father Rene Robert came together to fight against the death penalty Wednesday night.

Father Rene was found dead in Georgia in April and Steven Murray was arrested for his murder.

This is the 15th year for Cities of Life which is an event to bring awareness to the death penalty.

Three hundred eighty-six candles lined the steps sitting under the cross at the Shrine at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine.

Each one represents a person on death row and around the world, people are coming together in unison to raise public awareness on the death penalty.

"It's time for us to face the truth that revenge is God’s not ours," the Rev. R.L. Gundy said.

Gundy was one of several who got behind the podium seeking to eliminate the death penalty.

"No one in this world should play the role of God," Gundy said.

Judy Sharpe said she has been behind the movement to abolish the death penalty for years.

"I find it arbitrary and unfair. It has to do with money more than anything else," Sharpe said.

Sharpe said she was also a friend of Father Rene.

In April, Steven Murray was arrested for Father Rene's murder. He entered a not guilty plea after investigators said he previously confessed to the homicide.

More than 20 years ago, Father Rene signed a Declaration of Life, stating if something happened to him, he doesn't want the death penalty imposed on his perpetrator.

Sharpe said it wasn’t surprising to learn that Father Rene signed the document.

"It's something he would have thought about and prayed about and realizing it, he would have stood for life," Sharpe said.

There’s a petition against the death penalty for the person responsible Father Rene’s death.

Sharpe said at least 400 people have signed it.

Action News Jax spoke to a Duval County district prosecutor in July.

He defends the death penalty by saying it’s the ultimate form of justice for families and the death penalty helps proves that life is precious.

Cox Media Group

Most Read