13 August 2011
by Bridgette P. LaVictoire

Sometimes the qualities of forgiveness and mercy are forgotten in this world. Sometimes the worst thing you can do to someone is say that you do not hate them, and that you wish them peace. Isaiah Kalebu will spend the rest of his life in jail for the rape and murder of Teresa Butz in 2009. He broke into the South Park, WA home of Butz and her partner, Jennifer Hopper. He then raped the two women repeatedly.

After several hours of torture, Kalebu slashed Butz, who then was able to escape shortly there after. She threw herself through a window and died on the street below.

Hooper said “You took so much from me but I’m not broken. I wish you no harm, I never wanted you put to death, I don’t seek revenge, I don’t want anything bad to happen to you in prison, nothing. I wish you peace every last day of your life.” She said this to Kalebu directly at the hearing this past Friday.

According to NWCN:

Butz’s father said he hopes “a light turns on and that he at least acknowledges that he did a dastardly, diabolical deed.”

“I’m not excusing him, and not forgiving him, but I pray for his soul,” he said.

Kalebu was often banned from the courtroom during the proceedings. He had to watch the trial from a separate room. He often had profane outbursts and violent behavior. He was taken to the hospital several times including for once swallowing a small pencil. When he testified in his own defense, he had to wear a shock device just in case.

Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty due to Kalebu’s mental state.