How do you forgive the man who killed your son?

In 1995, Azim Khamisa’s only son Tariq was shot and killed while delivering a pizza. The killer was a 14-year-old gang member named Tony Hicks, and due to a recent change of law in the state of California, Tony was tried as an adult and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

But instead of responding with a call for outrage or revenge, Azim did the unthinkable: he forgave his son’s killer, fought for his release, then gave him a job.

“My interpretation of this tragedy was that there are victims at both ends of the gun,” he says. In this episode, he tells the full story of how he uses his experience to help end youth violence, even recruiting his son’s killer to join in the work. It is one of unimaginable grief, staunch faith, and unwavering compassion.

Show Notes:

• Similar Episodes 
  • Forgiving My Mother’s Murderer: Sharon Risher
  • Burying 250 Friends: Greg Boyle on Community Amidst Gang Violence
• Resources mentioned this episode
  • TKF.org
  • AzimKhamisa.com
  • Email Azim: azim@azimkhamisa.com
• PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes
• Transcription Link

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