Muskogee County couple takes their story to Dr Phil

The fight for justice continues for a Muskogee family which is convinced their son was murdered - and the killer walks free. <br/><br/>A national audience heard the case of Scott Cannon, who was killed

Monday, April 11th 2005, 11:41 am

By: News On 6

The fight for justice continues for a Muskogee family which is convinced their son was murdered - and the killer walks free.

A national audience heard the case of Scott Cannon, who was killed last year. Doctor Phil featured his family on a show Monday about anger.

News on Six Reporter Emory Bryan has this update.

Scott Cannon's death in January 2004 devastated his family. He was stabbed to death. He was 22. What happened next made his family furious. Charges never were filed in the case and since, Scott's family's anger has spread beyond the killer, to the justice system - and has hurt the relationships in the family - the reason the case came to the attention of Doctor Phil McGraw.

Scott Cannonâ€™s mother Pamela Stonebarger: "I wanted to be here because I haven't even been able to grieve my son's death because of the anger and the resentment that I had because nothing was done. No justice. Yes it is."

Doctor Phil told the family their anger at the system was justified - and they should continue to pursue charges against the killer, but he said they should work to forgive the killer - even as they seek punishment. Doctor Phil said forgiving the killer - would help heal the family. "You don't want to let that person control your life. And right now, you've given your power to that person that you believe murdered your son. You've given him the power to dominate your life. He took Scott's life and now he's chipping away at yours."

And justice might be closer for the family. After petitioning for a grand jury - the evidence in the case is in their hands, but no decision has been made on whether Scott's killer will ever face any charges.

That grand jury went into session last Monday. They can issue an indictment - forcing a trial in a case the district attorney believes was self defense. None of that would have happened without Scott's family pushing for justice. They gathered signatures for the petition that called for the grand jury.