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CRIME

'I forgive you,' 'I'll never be the same': What victims' families told church shooting suspect

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    Najee Washington holds a photo of her grandmother Ethel Lance, one of the nine people killed in Wednesday's shooting at Emanuel AME Church, as she poses for a portrait outside her home Friday, June 19, 2015, in Charleston, S.C. "She cared for everyone. She took care of people. She would give her last to anyone," said Washington. "That's what she was and that's what she'll always be." (AP Photo/David Goldman) (The Associated Press)

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    In this frame from video, Felecia Sanders, second from left, leaves a North Charleston, S.C., courthouse where she attended the bond hearing today for Dylann Roof., Friday, June 19, 2015. Sanders survived the Wednesday night attack by pretending to be dead, but lost her son Tywanza. She also spoke from the judge's courtroom, where Roof's image appeared on a television screen. (AP Photo/Allen Breed) (The Associated Press)

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Representatives of the families of the nine victims of a fatal shooting at a black church in Charleston addressed shooting suspect Dylann Roof in court ahead of a bond hearing Friday. Roof appeared via video link and seemed to show no emotion as family members spoke, showing their anger, sadness and even forgiveness.

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Anthony Thompson, representing family of Myra Thompson

"I forgive you, my family forgives you. We would like you to take this opportunity to repent. Repent. Confess. Give your life to the one who matters the most, Christ, so he can change your ways no matter what happens to you and you'll be OK. Do that and you'll be better off than you are right now."

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Felecia Sanders , mother of Tywanza Sanders

"We welcomed you Wednesday night in our Bible study with open arms. You have killed some of the most beautifulest people that I know. Every fiber in my body hurts ... and I'll never be the same."

"Tywanza Sanders was my son, but Tywanza was my hero. Tywanza was my hero. But as we said in Bible study, we enjoyed you but may God have mercy on you."

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Daughter of Ethel Lance

"I forgive you. You took something really precious away from me. I will never talk to her ever again. I will never be able to hold her again. But I forgive you and have mercy on your soul. It hurts me, it hurts a lot of people but God forgive you and I forgive you."