The Rev. Jerry Durr and his wife Frances urged their son’skiller to seek God’s forgiveness as he spends the rest of his lifein prison for his role in the June 18, 2002, shooting of MarvinDurr.

Jerrard T. Cook, 19, of 2123 Madison Road, was sentenced Fridayin the last link of what Judge Keith Starrett called a “horriblechain of events.” Cook, who pleaded guilty to capital murder inNovember, said he was sorry for his actions and asked the Durrfamily for their forgiveness.

“I know my apology can’t bring him back, but I’m sorry and Ihope you can forgive me,” Cook said.

The Rev. Durr, accompanied by several family members who did notspeak, reminded Cook that he had been given the word of God earlierin life.

“I understand it was the enemy who was influencing your mindthat night,” Durr told Cook. “We have already forgiven you in ourhearts, but there is a reaction for everything that takesplace.”

Durr urged Cook to accept the grace of God and seek hisforgiveness.

“Don’t allow his word to be cast by the way side,” Durrsaid.

Starrett said Durr’s words were profound and well-spoken.

“I hope you’re hearing and I hope you’re listening to what wassaid,” Starrett told Cook.

Starrett then sentenced Cook to spend the rest of his naturallife in prison, with no possibility of parole or other form ofearly release.

The judge also ordered Cook to pay, to the best of his ability,a $10,000 fine and restitution for Marvin Durr’s funeral expenses.Any money paid will go to the Durr family for funeral expensesfirst, Starrett said.

Earlier last week, Cearic Barnes, 19, of 830 Beauregard St.,pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of murder in the death of MarvinDurr. Barnes was sentenced to life in prison and will be eligiblefor parole when he is 65.

Cook was to be a witness in Barnes’ trial, which was to havestarted Tuesday. As part of the plea agreement, an arson chargeagainst Barnes was not prosecuted.

Marvin Durr was found inside his burned car on South WashingtonStreet early on June 18, 2002.

Authorities alleged that Cook and Barnes flagged Durr down andwere intent on taking his car to McComb to rob a store there.During the course of events, Cook shot Durr and Durr’s car waslater set afire.

Cook and Barnes were arrested the next day and charged withcapital murder.