This was the story that ran in our local paper on November 10th 2004:

"The sheriff's office has clarified the charges against those arrested for the murder of Ruben L. Britt, owner of Crossroads Grocery.
Two teens are being held on capital murder charges and two others on related charges in the shooting death of the Grenada county store owner Sunday morning.
Eric Bullins, 16, and Terry Pitchford, 18, are being held without bond on capital murder charges. Pitchford along with two others are also being held on a charge of conspiracy to commit a crime, according to Justice Clerk Brenda Mullen.
Demarcus Westmoreland, 18, and Quincy Bullins, 19, are also being held on conspiracy charges. Both their bonds have been set at $50,000. According to Mullen, a December 2nd preliminary hearing will be held for the four teenagers with Judge Jimmy Tallant presiding.
Bullins and Pitchford are charged with shooting Ruben L. Britt, 67, multiple times at his Crossroads Grocery at the corner of Highway 7 and Scenic Loop 332.
The cash register was taken. "

This week that story resolved itself with the murder conviction of Terry Pitchford and the sentence of death that was issued. What makes this story compelling is that for the last year I have had the opportunity of teaching Terry both in my GED class and as part of my Bible Study. I have become acquainted with his family, his girlfriend and his young son. In fact Terry inspired me to teach a class on "The Seven Secrets of Effective Fathers." His story is a tragedy, a tragedy being repeated in communities across this nation. Young men are buying into a gang/gangsta culture, fueled by rappers and violence, drugs and alcohol. They are being led into a mindset that short circuits their conscience and leads them down a path to destruction.
If you met Terry, you would like him. He is well mannered and respectful. He has a close family and a mother of strong faith. He made a terrible choice and has to face the consequence of that choice. Terry too professes a faith in Christ. My prayer is that he will be able to hang on to his faith and find some personal redemption while sitting on death row.

p.s. My personal opinion of Terry in no way excuses his terrible crime and the obvious loss and continuing grief of the Britt family.

Check out Chris Rea's latest work!

Chris Rea - Blue Guitars

For my 50th birthday I ordered an 11CD + DVD box set from Chris Rea. It's on its way and I'm really looking forward to listening to this meisterwork by one of the sweetest slide guitarists. ( It may take me another 50 years to listen to all the tracks!! - 137 in all! )