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Father's forgiveness: Johnny Granderson opens up about son's tragic death and journey to healing

In a one-on-one interview, the father shares the raw truth of his journey to find solace amidst unfathomable loss.

ST. LOUIS — For the first time since the violent carjacking that claimed the life of his son, Jaz Granderson, Johnny Granderson is breaking his silence. 

In a one-on-one interview, he shares the raw truth of his journey to find solace amidst unfathomable loss.

"I can honestly say seven, six years ago, I had a lot of hate in my heart," Johnny said, reflecting on the tumultuous emotions he grappled with in the aftermath of his son's tragic death.

Jaz, a former football standout at Kirkwood High School later played at the University of Northern Iowa and Lindenwood University. He was a cherished football coach at DeSmet Jesuit when he was killed.

The man who pleaded guilty to the killing of a high school football coach is headed to prison for the next 60 years.

A judge handed down that sentence to Kurt Wallace on Wednesday. He admitted to shooting Jaz during a string of carjackings in 2017. Wallace escaped from jail in 2019 and led police on a chase before crashing a stolen car.

Jaz was known not only for his athletic prowess but also for his mentorship and leadership qualities. Years ago, he started a Christmas toy drive to help kids in need. It’s a drive that his father carries on to this day.

"He always helped the youth in the community. That's what I want his legacy to be," Johnny said, emphasizing his commitment to keeping his son's memory alive through continued acts of service and kindness.

Despite the pain of his loss, Johnny finds solace in the knowledge that he is finding a path to healing. 

"I was so upset ... time helped me move on and put me in the place that I'm in now," he said, acknowledging the transformative power of time and forgiveness in his journey.

"Over the years got me to the place that I am now," Johnny said, his voice steady with resolve. "Is it a place of forgiveness? he asked. "It is. It is. It is."

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