Father Speaks Out After Son's Murderer Pleads Guilty

Now that a man has pleaded guilty to murdering two Tulsa men because they were white, the father of one of those victims is sharing his son’s story.

Prosecutors say Lundin Hathcock was one of the men shot in the back of the head by Carlton Gilford in April.

Aaron Hathcock, Lundin’s father, says his birthday was Tuesday, and that’s the day Carlton Gilford pled guilty to murdering Aaron’s son, which was a bittersweet present.

Lundin was gunned down by Carlton Gilford in cold blood while he was sitting at a desk in the Rudisill Regional Library.

Aaron says the past seven months have been nothing short of a nightmare.

"People like to say, 'Oh, I can't imagine,' but they have no idea, that they really cannot imagine it,” said Aaron. “Until it's happened to you, and then it's reality."

Aaron says Lundin was funny and loved to play tricks on him.

He also loved cars, the woods, and animals.

"He was a good man,” said Aaron. “He had a wonderful childhood. Growing up, he had fun with all his friends. He was a good student; he did all the athletics and the gifted and talented."

Aaron says he’s alright with the plea deal- so he and his family don’t have to spend years in court for a trial.

He hopes his son’s killer will use his time in prison to realize what he did was wrong.

"If he did that, and he ends up seeing my son again in Heaven, I would like for him to make it right with him,” said Aaron. “And give him a big hug and tell him how sorry he really is."

Aaron hopes his son’s story will bring people together against hate instead of driving them apart.

"These kinds of things get in people's minds, and they think they're doing some kind of great benefit to their cause, of which is essentially divide,” said Aaron. “They're people who think life owes them something because of history. It don't."

He looks forward to the day he will see his son again.

"Lundin, we miss you,” said Aaron. “You'll be next to my heart until the day I die. Some day, son, some day, we'll take another boat ride."

Aaron says he’s proud that thanks to Lundin’s organ donation, he was able to help save 81 other lives.