A US police officer has told her daughter's killer that she is praying for him, just two days after the fatal shooting in New Orleans.
In an open letter posted to Facebook, Officer Imani Ruffins mourns the death of her daughter, 20-year-old Milan Arriola, who was shot and killed by a gunman while riding in the passenger seat of a car in Gentilly, New Orleans last Friday. A young man identified as Will Reed, also aged 20, has been arrested and booked with her murder.
In a post addressed to Reed, Ruffins writes: "I want you to know that in spite of you changing my life forever, I don't hate you. I feel sorry for you. Sorry that you've never experienced the love that Milan experienced, not only from her family and friends, but coworkers, classmates and random strangers.
"An unconditional, heart pounding, take your breath away type of love. I'm certain you haven't experienced this because you had no regard or appreciation for life."
Ruffins adds that when pregnant with Arriola, she contracted chicken pox and was told that her child would be born with multiple medical problems. She was therefore offered an abortion. "I said no. No because I knew God heard my prayers. My faith out weighed everything."
"I thank God for 20 years with my first child, my only daughter, my best friend. No one, not even you Will Reed can take that away from me and everyone who had the pleasure of sharing her life," Ruffins concludes.
"So TODAY I'll pray for you, that God has mercy on your soul."
In a further post yesterday, Ruffins thanked those who have offered her and her husband support in the days following their daughter's death.
"It is because of your continued support and prayers that we are able to get through these long days," she wrote.
"Milan is definitely in a better place!
"Pray, Forgive, Love..."
She also included a status posted on the Facebook page of megapastor Joel Osteen. "When you have made up your mind that no matter what life deals your way you're going to stay calm and in peace, all of the forces of darkness cannot keep you from your destiny."
A candlelit vigil held in Arriola's honour is scheduled to take place tonight.
