The mother of a man killed during a Black Lives Matter protest expressed her frustration and despair after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pardoned the Army sergeant convicted of murdering her son. Sheila Foster, the mother of Garrett Foster who was killed in the incident, revealed that she felt robbed of “long overdue peace” by the governor’s decision to pardon Daniel Perry. Abbott issued the pardon for Perry, who was convicted of murder last year in Foster’s death, after the Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended it. Perry was released from prison shortly after the pardon was signed.
Sheila Foster shared her anguish over the ordeal, mentioning that her life had been a nightmare for the past four years since her son’s death. She revealed that she had lost 40 pounds and was suffering from cervical cancer, which had been exacerbated by the stress caused by the uncertainty of her son’s killer being released from prison. Foster emphasized that the trial and conviction of Perry had finally given her a sense of justice and peace, only to have it taken away by the governor’s decision to grant a pardon.
Garrett Foster was shot dead by Daniel Perry during a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Austin in 2020. Foster, who was legally carrying a semiautomatic rifle, approached Perry’s car, and Perry shot him claiming self-defense. Foster’s mother mentioned that her son had been participating in the protest not only to honor George Floyd, who was killed by police in Minnesota, but to protect other protesters as well. Travis Country District Attorney José Garza criticized both Perry and the Board of Pardons and Parole for their actions, stating that it demonstrated a divide in the treatment of people based on race.
Sheila Foster expressed her disbelief and outrage towards the decision to pardon Perry and demanded accountability from Gov. Abbott. She called for his removal from office and vowed to dedicate her life to ensuring that happens. Foster denounced the decision as corrupt and a political circus, expressing her deep grief for her son and reliance on memories of him to find solace. Despite the painful loss of Garrett, Foster recalled touching memories of her son, like the time he brought home baby ducks, that bring a smile to her face in the midst of her sorrow.
The case highlights the deep-seated issues surrounding racial injustice and police brutality that persist in society. The incident has sparked controversy and renewed calls for accountability and justice for victims of such violence. The emotional toll on Sheila Foster and her family underscores the profound impact of systemic inequalities and the urgency of addressing them. The decision to pardon Daniel Perry has reignited public debate and calls for reform in the criminal justice system to ensure equal treatment and protection for all individuals. The legacy of Garrett Foster and the fight for justice continue to resonate in the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
