Honorable Judge Russell thank you for allowing me to speak . My name is Debbie Floyd and I am T.J. Floyds mother. On the night on January 21 , 2012 our lives were forever changed . On that night my son was brutally murdered by Travon Walthour. Travon showed no regard for human life as he stabbed my son repeatedly. Your honor , before that night they had never met and Travon had so much deep rooted anger inside of him that he was able commit such a brutal attack . That kind of rage is evil . T.J. never deserved to die this way . Your honor, T.J.s life started out less than ordinary . He was what the Drs. Called a miracle baby . He was just that … a gift from God. In his 19 years T.J. Was one of the kindest souls I had ever met . He was always the one to rush to give a helping hand no matter if he knew you or not . T.J. had many things that he loved . Boating , fishing , golfing , carpentry, riding his ATV and doing double and triple flips on his trampoline. He loved the outdoors , whether he was skim boarding or building a bon fire he enjoyed his life and lived it to the fullest . He wore a big smile most of the time and his presence made people happy. Academically , T.J. always excelled. He achieved honor roll status throughout school and graduated in 2010 as Salutatorian at LifeSpring Christian Academy . T.J. was a christian and attended youth group at Marshview . His goal was to go to school to become a mechanical engineer . I had the honor of being T.J.s mother , his teacher for 3 years and his co-worker at a very large warehouse. T.J. Would walk through that warehouse with his arm locked in mine laughing and talking . He would hug me and kiss me on the cheek in front all those grown men and never think twice about it . He was the kid that brightened any room that he entered and he brightened my life with his presence. My families lives have been forever changed because of Travon Walthour. I look at my life now and barely recognize it. I left my teaching career of 13 years because I could no longer concentrate or retain anything . My daily life is full of anxiety . When I go to bed at night I have thoughts of my son being stabbed over and over again terrorizing my mind . When I finally do sleep I wake up with immediate shock and anxiety because the first thought that attacks me is “ hes really dead “. Our families hopes and dreams for the future have been shattered . We will never see him graduate from college , get married or see him become a father. Our holidays have been forever changed . While others are looking for the perfect gift for their child , Im looking for the perfect flowers or wreath to put on my childs grave. Now instead of T.J. being with us for the holidays there is a candle that is lit in remembrance of him . Its so terribly unfair. I have been asked many times if I have forgiven Travon for what he did. Honestly , I knew early on that hating him would be damaging to me . Travon is not worthy of taking up residence in here ( my heart, soul and spirit ). I wish that today we were sending him away forever but we all know that that isnt always the way our Justice system works . However, Travon I must tell you that I believe that my father in heaven will judge you heavily for what you have done. So many lives have been negatively affected by what you did on the night of January 21, 2012. I would like the court to know that I am trying to do what I can to use this story to make a difference in the lives of others . Im hoping that I will be able to speak to thousands about what took place that night. I will do my part making sure that people do not forget T.J. Floyd . Who he was and how viciously his life was taken . I also will do my part in making sure that people dont forget you while you are in prison Travon. I will tell everyone I can what a ruthless murderer you are. Your honor , thank you for allowing me this moment .May God Bless You
Posted on: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 23:13:17 +0000