RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - The brother of a man who was killed in a convenience store shooting said he was shaking as he headed into court Thursday.
"I didn't even know if I was going to be able to go through with it all," said Livingston Rush after his brother's killers were sentenced. "But I feel I had to do what I had to do."
Robert Rush was shot and killed during a robbery at an Uppy's convenience store on Brook Road in May of 2005.
Judge Robert E. Payne sentenced the triggerman, Stephen White, to 40 years in prison. The mastermind behind the robbery, William Langley Jr., was sentenced to life behind bars.
After learning his fate, White turned to Rush's family, breaking down several times.
"I apologize for what I done to you taking a special person away from you. I pray, some day you'll forgive me for my actions," said White. "I wish I could bring him back because nobody deserves that.”
Rush choked up talking about his little brother, who he described in court as kindhearted and generous, to CBS 6 News' Sandra Jones.
Rush said White's apology also made him emotional.
"It had an impact on me... and what I did at the end was I went over to his lawyer and told his lawyer to tell him that I forgive him,” said Rush.
Ted Burns, White's defense attorney, said his client is ashamed of what he did.
“He's never once suggested that he was entitled to mercy or leniency. And was happy that that judge gave him some,” said Burns.
However, even though his brother’s killers are off the streets, Rush said it does not provide closure for his family.
“It’s just so much that’s left unsaid, as a result of his death,” said Rush.
Additionally, Rush said he is being treated for severe depression and anxiety. He said dealing with his brother’s death has been really hard and that on some days he just tries to block it out.
RELATED:
