' Anderson 's parents opposed the death penalty for religious and historical reasons . ` ` Our loss will not be lessened by the state taking the life of another , '' they say . The family has been mostly private in its grief , but the letter sent to the DA 's office alludes to what the family is going through . Deryl Dedmon Jr. , 18 , is charged with murder in the case .
' Anderson 's parents opposed the death penalty for religious and historical reasons . ` ` Our loss will not be lessened by the state taking the life of another , '' they say . Deryl Dedmon Jr. , 18 , is charged with murder in the case .