Georgia Widow Extends Forgiveness to Husband’s Killer in Emotional Courtroom Moment
CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — In a rare and deeply emotional moment inside a Georgia courtroom, Regina Johnson publicly forgave the man responsible for her husband’s death, embracing him during his sentencing for a fatal DUI hit-and-run.
Joseph Tillman pleaded guilty Thursday to charges stemming from the death of 78-year-old Chuck Johnson, who was struck and killed while riding his electric bike in the Towne Lake community. At the time, prosecutors said Tillman was under the influence of both alcohol and nitrous oxide.
A Hug and Words of Forgiveness in Court
Standing before Cherokee County Superior Court Judge Tony Baker, Regina Johnson walked toward Tillman and embraced him.
“Joey doesn’t know yet how much God loves him,” she told the court, explaining that she offered the hug because “God told her he needed a mom hug.”
As they held each other, she whispered that she forgave him and reminded him that “God loves him more than he knows.” Tillman quietly responded, “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Judge Baker, visibly moved, told the court he had never before seen the wife of a victim embrace the person who had killed them.
Remembering Chuck Johnson
Chuck Johnson was a respected businessman and devout Christian known for leading worship services with his guitar, running a biker-based prison ministry, and mentoring others in his community. His life, family said, was marked by faith and service.
Investigators revealed that on the night of the crash, Tillman had been drinking at a sports bar before purchasing nitrous oxide from a gas station. He inhaled the gas, lost consciousness, and struck Johnson before fleeing the scene.
The Sentence and Conditions
Cherokee County Assistant District Attorney Pete Lamb said Tillman pleaded guilty as a first offender to multiple charges, including three counts of homicide by vehicle, felony hit-and-run, DUI, and reckless driving.
Judge Baker sentenced Tillman to 20 years, with three years to be served in prison — but suspended the prison term on the condition that he complete a 24-month inpatient rehabilitation program followed by aftercare.
“The minute you flunk out, you’re going to prison,” Baker warned.
Moving Toward Healing
Tillman, speaking in court, said he had entered rehab, embraced sobriety, and committed to the “long road of making amends.”
“I know I do not deserve peace when I’ve caused so much pain,” he said.
Regina Johnson, while acknowledging that no sentence could truly deliver justice for her husband’s death, expressed hope that Tillman would change his life. She also revealed plans to file a lawsuit against the companies that make and sell Galaxy Gas, the nitrous oxide product Tillman used.
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