Victim’s family fight the death penalty

A white Mississippi teenager accused of murdering an African-American man in a hate crime pleaded not guilty yesterday, while the victim’s family begged prosecutors not to apply the death penalty in the case.

Deryl Dedmon, 19, is charged with capital murder in the death of James Craig Anderson.

According to CNN, Dedmon was part of a group of seven white teens from the mostly white Rankin County who after a night out, decided to "go f**k with some niggers," law enforcement officials have said, quoting some of the suspects in the case.

The victim was found alone in a parking lot around 4am and beaten to death.

The killing was captured on surveillance video.

Dedmon, of Mississippi, is facing the death penalty if convicted.

Federal prosecutors are assessing whether the crime should be tried federally under racial hate laws.

A second teen, John Aaron Rice, 18, was initially charged with murder, but a judge reduced the charges to assault because Rice was not believed to be driving the vehicle used to kill the victim.

The family of Anderson has sent a letter asking state and federal officials not to seek the death penalty against the white teens.

"We ask that you not seek the death penalty for anyone involved in James' murder," the letter states. It is signed by Anderson's sister who is the family spokeswoman.

The family is opposed to the death penalty partly for religious reasons.
 

"Our opposition to the death penalty is deeply rooted in our religious faith, a faith that was central in James' life as well," the letter states. But the letter also goes on to explain that there is a historical reason for the family's opposition that is tied to Mississippi's racial past.
 

"We also oppose the death penalty because it historically has been used in Mississippi and the South primarily against people of color for killing whites," the letter says. "Executing James' killers will not help to balance the scales. But sparing them may help to spark a dialogue that one day will lead to the elimination of capital punishment."

Anderson a worker at a Nissan plant, sang in his church choir and left behind a bereaved partner of 17 years.

His family are pursuing civil action against the families’ of the accused teens.