Victim Botham Jean's brother forgives convicted ex-officer for killing, embraces her at sentencing

Former police officer Amber Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison Wednesday for killing her unarmed neighbor, Botham Jean, in his own apartment.

During an impact statement following sentencing, Jean's brother, Brandt Jean, delivered a powerful display of grace toward the convicted woman.

What are the details?

Speaking from the stand, 18-year-old Brandt addressed Guyger, telling her, "I'm not going to say I hope you rot and die, just like my brother — I personally want the best for you."

"I wasn't going to say this in front of my family or anyone, but I don't even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you, because I know that's exactly what Botham would want."

Brandt added, "I think giving your life to Christ would be the best thing that Botham would want you to do. I love you, as a person, and I don't wish anything bad on you." With that, an emotional Brandt asked the judge if he could give Guyger a hug, and the judge agreed.

Sniffs and sobbing could be heard in the courtroom as the two embraced.

CBS News reported that the judge then descended from the bench, comforted the Jean family, and handed Guyger a Bible before also hugging the former officer.

Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot later called Brandt's embrace of Guyger "an amazing act of healing and forgiveness that is rare in today's society...especially for many of our leaders." He told KDFW-TV, "If your 18-year-old brother can heal and express healing in that fashion, in his words and in his deeds, I would hope that the greater community, not just Dallas but all of Texas and all of the United States, could gain a message from that."

Anything else?

Guyger was convicted of murder for killing Botham Jean after entering his apartment and shooting the 26-year-old. The former police officer said she believed she was entering her own apartment in the same complex, and shot Botham because she believed he was an intruder.