The sister of a slain police officer is hoping the assailants responsible find “forgiveness in God.”
Family members of Baltimore police Officer Keona Holley, 39, spoke to the media after removing Holley from life support on Thursday, just two days before Christmas. Holley, a mother of four, was shot on Dec. 16 in her patrol car.
Rather than anger and hate, her mom, Karen Eaddy, and her sister, Lawanda Sykes, spoke about the importance of hope, even amid their pain and tears.
But it’s her sister’s message about forgiveness for those responsible that is truly worth hearing.
“Everybody does not have or was given the love that my sister had, and maybe that was missing from them,” Sykes told WBFF-TV of the suspected killers. “The only hope that I can find is … that they find forgiveness in God.”
A Tribute to Fallen Police Officer Keona Holley
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) December 24, 2021
End of Watch: December 23, 2021 pic.twitter.com/7EoT6Vk2SH
As for Eaddy, Holley’s grieving mother, she wished the public a Merry Christmas and spoke about the importance of remaining strong for her grandchildren.
“I may not have my child but I have my grandkids,” she told WBFF-TV. “So, I have to lift myself up and lift them up to have Christmas without their mom.”
The Baltimore Police Department released a statement Dec. 23, announcing Holley — who had only been on the police force for two years — had been taken off life support.
“Her health has been deteriorating over the last couple of days and her family, in consultation with her doctors, has had to make the most difficult decision,” the release said.
The department praised Holley’s “valiant fight for her life” and offered accolades to the doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center who cared for her.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael S. Harrison also offered prayers to the fallen officer’s family and said the community will “heal together.”
“Our prayers are with Officer Holley’s family and loved ones, co-workers and the entire community,” he said. “I thank her and the entire BPD community for their commitment, service and sacrifice. We mourn Officer Holley’s death together and we will heal together.”
Two men have been charged in the shooting, though a motive remains unknown.
Please continue to pray for Holley’s family during this intensely difficult time.
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