Widow Of Murdered Sudanese Immigrant Forgives Killer

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - The widow of a Sudanese immigrant in Aurora is speaking out about his murder.

Youn Malual was killed outside his home in 2011. He was the unintended victim of an ongoing gang war. This week his killer was sentenced to life in prison. CBS4's Kelly Werthmann spoke to his widow who says she forgives her husband's killer.

"Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I say, 'God help me,'" Mary Kuanen said.

It's been 4 1/2 years since Kuanen lost her husband and the father of five children.

"My dad was a really good man. He tried to do everything he can to support his kids," Youn Malual's son Monyindi Malual said.

Youn Malual moved his family to Colorado to escape the civil war in Sudan. Six years later as he was arriving home from his overnight shift as a bus mechanic Malual was fatally shot in the head. It was the day after Christmas.

"We can't even celebrate Father's Day because he's not here," Monyindi Malual said.

After a 3-year investigation police arrested Devon Grant-Washington, 23, and four others for the murder.

"I'm going to be happy because they're inside in the jail," Kuanen said.

On Thursday Grant-Washington was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Two others were convicted earlier this year.

Despite the pain and incredible loss, Kuanen says justice is served for her husband's death and a lesson learned for her family.

"Forgive them. Everyone do the mistake. I will forgive them inside of my heart."