September 26, 2008 Raw video: A mother's pain, and forgiveness Play video

(NECN: Boston) - In a gripping, emotional statement to the court and the man convicted of killing her son 13 years ago, Isaura Mendes says she forgives Arnaldo (Nardo) Lopes. This week, Lopes was convicted of killing Bobby Mendes in 1995, a murder that triggered a rash of violence in the Cape Verdean community.

"I wish you luck, Nardu," Mendes said. "I have asked God to protect you in jail."

"I forgive you for everything you've done. I have to forgive him so I can forgive myself because God forgives every day of our lives."

Mendes became a community activist after the murder of Bobby, and lost another son, Matthew (Alex) Mendes to violence a decade later.

Lopes was sentenced to 8-to-12 years in prison for manslaughter.