Statement from Larry Hammett's son about father's killing

One of Larry Hammett's sons, Larry Trayvon Hammett III, prepared a two-page statement that he was unable to read in court today prior to sentencing for his father's killer. The 10-year-old Upland boy asked that his statement be published in the newspaper.

"First, I would like to thank the court for giving me the chance to share my feelings. It is important for the people who murdered my dad to know how much they hurt my family and me. I feel so much pain because my dad is no longer with us. I really miss him very much and would give anything to see him again. He was a good man, and a wonderful father to my brother and me. There were so many things I was looking forward to doing with him, but it has all been taken away from me.

"I don't understand why my dad was murdered. There is no good reason for anyone to be murdered. All I know is, the pain never goes away, and sometimes it's hard for me to sleep at night. My dad will never get the chance to see me go through college, play sports or become a grown man. He will never get the chance to see me get married and have kids. He will never see his grandchildren. I wish I could spend one more day with my father and tell him how much I love him.

"The Bible tells us that we are to forgive people for the wrongs they do to us. I love the Lord so I will do what the Bible tells me to do. It's not easy to forgive people for the kind of pain my family is now feeling. You came along and took his life. I didn't get a chance to spend time with my dad and his mom, but I pray I get the chance to do so now. I love you grandmother. But we'll all get through it. The people who murdered my dad have been given a second chance to change their lives and to become better people. I hope and pray that they take this opportunity. It will take some time before I can fully forgive the people who murdered my dad, but I will keep them and my dad in prayer.

"Once again, thank you for this opportunity."