In the pursuit of justice, the concept of closure often emerges as a beacon of hope for victims' families. However, recent findings and personal experiences challenge this notion, revealing that closure may be more elusive than promised. Jody Madeira, a professor at Indiana University Bloomington’s Maurer Law School, conducted a study involving 33 families of the 168 victims of the Oklahoma City bombing. Her research concluded that the closure advocated by death penalty proponents is largely a myth. This study, one of the few related to the infamous bombing, underscores the complexities surrounding the death penalty and its perceived outcomes.
Aaron Castro, the son of a victim, believed firmly that the execution of John Ramirez would offer him closure. He had long envisioned his reaction to Ramirez's execution with a single word: "Boom." Despite his anticipation, when the execution finally occurred, Castro found himself disappointed and disillusioned. His experience was not isolated; many families who expected closure after executions felt similarly unfulfilled. In Boston, the mayor suggested that sentencing the Boston Marathon bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, would offer "a small amount of closure," yet Madeira's research and Castro's story reveal a different reality.
Madeira's engagement with the Oklahoma City bombing families extended up to Timothy McVeigh's execution. The outcomes were varied and complex, falling short of expectations for those seeking closure. Castro's yearning for closure stemmed from deep-seated anger and pain over losing his father. His journey was documented in "I Am Ready, Warden," which captures his emotional response to Ramirez's final moments. The documentary poignantly illustrates Castro's disappointment and sadness, highlighting the contradictions inherent in the death penalty.
“I never meant to kill you, but because it happened, it’s made me a better person. It’s made some vast changes in who I am, you know. And it’s a crappy way to say it, but it’s the truth.” – John Ramirez
The idea of closure is frequently referenced by death penalty advocates; however, evidence supporting its validity is sparse. Jody Madeira's study offers crucial insights into this disconnect.
“I would say that of those who expected a huge catharsis, all of them were disappointed.” – Jody Madeira
Victims' families often realize that while a legal chapter may close with an execution, it cannot bring back loved ones.
“They realized that a chapter had closed – the justice chapter – but that death couldn’t close all chapters because it would never bring their loved one back.” – Jody Madeira
Moreover, Madeira warns that encouraging families to wait for an execution to heal can be detrimental.
“It tells grieving families that they need to wait for the execution to heal, and that’s the most traumatic and damaging thing they could be told – because healing or forgiveness has to come from inside.” – Jody Madeira
On the day of John Ramirez's execution, Aaron Castro grappled with conflicting emotions. Despite his prior certainty about needing to witness Ramirez's death, he ultimately decided against it.
“As we got close to the six o’clock hour, I decided to hide from his line of sight,” – Aaron Castro
“I crouched down low so he couldn’t see me. I wanted him to have some semblance of privacy, and not feel he had to speak or rationalize anything for my sake.” – Aaron Castro
The moment of execution was broadcast over the radio.
“If you are listening now, John Ramirez is dead in Huntsville.” – Radio announcer
Castro's visceral reaction was captured in the documentary.
“Everything that I’ve ever covered about the death penalty has been filtered through the lens of my words,” – Keri Blakinger
“And here we have the raw images of Aaron’s physical reaction as he processes the execution, which as a reporter working with words I could never do.” – Keri Blakinger
Faced with the reality of Ramirez's death, Castro reflected on his choice not to witness it firsthand.
“I decided that I didn’t need to see it. There was no more need to be there.” – Aaron Castro
He pondered the loss experienced both during his childhood and on this day.
“A life was lost today, taken too soon just as it was when I was 14,” – Aaron Castro
Instead of finding solace in Ramirez's execution, Castro emphasized its gravity without celebration.
“I’m not going to celebrate. This isn’t a moment to celebrate.” – Aaron Castro