He Killed Her Husband of 50 Years, But Woman Felt Led By God to Hug and Forgive Him

Regina Johnson transformed a courtroom and the life of a young man when she felt led to forgive him after he killed her husband. Regina was married to her spouse, Charles “Chuck”  Johnson, for 50 years. He died last year when 24-year-old Joseph Tillman hit Chuck with his vehicle while under the influence of “Galaxy Gas,” a kind of nitrous oxide drug.

"I don't think I've ever seen the wife of a victim hug the defendant where they killed somebody," said Cherokee County Superior Court Judge Tony Baker.

Chuck had been riding his electric bike when he was hit. He was rushed to the hospital but died a week later from his injuries. Joseph, whom Regina calls “Joey,” apologized and pleaded guilty in the Georgia courtroom on Aug. 7.

Woman Feels Led to Forgive Her Husband’s Killer

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Regina went over and embraced Joey for a long moment. She placed her hand on the back of his head and whispered that God loves him and she forgives him.

“Joey doesn’t know yet how much God loves him,” she said. “Joey needs healing of things in his past as we all do. That is our heart and prayer.”

As she hugged him, several people in the courtroom immediately began crying at seeing Regina have such compassion.

Regina says God told her that he needed “a mom hug.”

Joey repeatedly told her as they hugged, “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”

A Regretful Hit and Run

In Joey’s statement during his sentencing, he said, “I've committed to the long road of making amends. I've entered rehab, embraced sobriety, began the hard, humbling work of healing. I know I do not deserve peace when I've caused so much pain,” and “I pray that you hear my heart when I say I am truly, completely sorry.”

Joey pleaded guilty to three counts of homicide by vehicle, a felony hit and run, making a false statement, DUI, and reckless driving in a non-negotiated plea. He was sentenced to 20 years, with the first three in prison. The sentence was suspended on the condition that Joey complete a two-year inpatient rehab program.

There’s Hope for Joey

Joey’s lawyer, Paul Ghanouni, said that Joey “changed his way of life” and “seems like he’s on a trajectory to continue to move forward with his life in a positive way.”

Chuck and Regina’s daughter, Brittany McCarthy, gave a statement in court.

“I will always be the daughter of a man that you killed,” she addressed Joey. “I will be the daughter whose heart you shattered, a life you forever changed because of your choice to do drugs while driving. You became a deadly weapon, and my father paid the price with his life.”

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One of Chuck’s friends spoke about how remarkable he was. "Chuck was a friend whose love of life, Jesus, family, theological discussions with me in various places in the world, and and gentle honesty has immeasurably enriched my life,” they said.

Regina, true to her word, felt led by God to show forgiveness to the young man whose reckless decisions took the life of her husband. She expressed it verbally and through a compassionate hug that touched Joey and all of those who witnessed it. What an incredible, faith-filled woman!

WATCH: He Killed Her Husband of 50 Years, But Woman Felt Led By God to Hug and Forgive Him

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h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/ABC 7 Chicago

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.