The mother of Garrett Foster, who was killed during a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020, expressed her frustration after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pardoned Daniel Perry, the Army sergeant convicted of murdering her son. Sheila Foster had been seeking justice for her son’s death, and the pardon by the Governor took away the peace she had finally achieved following Perry’s conviction. Foster, who has been dealing with health issues including cervical cancer, has been devastated by the news of Perry’s release from prison.
Garrett Foster was participating in a protest against racial injustice and police brutality when he was fatally shot by Perry. Foster, who was legally carrying a semiautomatic rifle, approached Perry’s car during the protest, leading to the fatal shooting. Perry claimed self-defense, stating that Foster had pointed the rifle at him. Sheila Foster emphasized that her son had attended the protest not only in memory of George Floyd but also to protect fellow protesters. She described the pain and suffering she has experienced since her son’s death and the disappointment she feels towards the decision to pardon Perry.
Travis County District Attorney José Garza criticized the decision to pardon Perry, stating that it demonstrated a disparity in treatment between different individuals. Garza expressed his disagreement with the actions of Perry and the Board of Pardons and Parole and stated that the decision sent a message that Garrett Foster’s life did not matter. Sheila Foster voiced her belief that Gov. Abbott should be removed from office, expressing her intention to advocate for justice for her son’s death. She shared fond memories of Garrett, highlighting his love for animals and the emotional support she found in caring for a bird after his passing.
The pardon of Daniel Perry by Gov. Greg Abbott has reignited the pain and distress experienced by Sheila Foster and her family. The decision to release Perry from prison following his conviction in Garrett Foster’s murder has left a sense of injustice and deep loss for Foster’s loved ones. The circumstances of Garrett Foster’s death, amidst a Black Lives Matter protest, have added to the complexity of the situation, with differing perspectives on the events leading to the tragic shooting. Sheila Foster’s determination to seek accountability and justice for her son’s death reflects the ongoing repercussions and emotional toll of the incident.
The fallout from the pardon of Daniel Perry in Garrett Foster’s case has sparked criticism and concerns over the dispensation of justice and the treatment of victims and their families. Travis County District Attorney José Garza’s remarks regarding the pardon point to a broader issue of inequity and the significance of valuing all lives equally. The implications of the pardon, as perceived by Foster’s family and supporters, underscore the need for transparency and accountability in legal proceedings. The memory of Garrett Foster and the fight for justice in his name serve as a poignant reminder of the impact of systemic issues and the quest for a fair and just society.
