It was a moment of profound pain for a grieving family when the man sentenced for the death of a beloved husband, father, and pastor publicly apologized in court last week.
Marcel McMillan, who was given a maximum sentence of 22 and half years in prison after Dean Elliott, a 63-year-old preacher and missionary, was killed in the crash, addressed Elliott’s family in court.
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“I just want to apologize to the family, because it’s not purposely done,” he said, according to WZZM-TV. “I know I got to put you guys get through a lot. I didn’t mean to do it. I’m sorry.”
McMillan had pleaded no contest but had past felonies, which reportedly contributed to his more than 22-year sentence.
Elliott’s wife, Brenda, also spoke in court, recounting the events that unfolded when her husband was killed April 2, 2023, on US-131 in Michigan.
“It was like a very tragic and sad movie,” Brenda said. “But it was my reality.”
Other family members shared similar stories and emotional struggles.
His son lamented his father not being able to be present at his wedding, and Elliott’s daughter described experiencing “depleted emotional energy” that has profoundly impacted her life.
Another moment stood out in the courtroom, though: an act of forgiveness.
“Marcel, I have forgiven you,” Brenda said. “However, your actions have consequences that require justice and society deserves protection from your continued dangerous and illegal choices.”
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Reprinted with permission from faithwire.com. Copyright © 2024 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.
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Troy Anderson 
James Lasher 
Charisma Media Staff