‘God Loves You’: Woman Forgives Man Who Took Her Husband’s Life, Hugs Him In Court | Watch

Last Updated:August 12, 2025, 09:00 IST

Regina Johnson forgave Joseph Tillman, who killed her husband Chuck in a DUI accident, during his sentencing. The emotional moment drew mixed reactions online.

Regina Johnson embraced her husband’s killer during sentencing, forgiving him in a moment that has sparked mixed reactions online. (IMAGE: X/ABC7)

In a rare and deeply emotional moment last week, Regina Johnson from Georgia forgave the man responsible for the death of her husband, Chuck Johnson, after 50 years of marriage. The touching scene unfolded in court on August 7, 2025, as Joseph Tillman was sentenced to 20 years in prison for homicide by vehicle, DUI, and reckless driving.

According to reports by People, ABC 7 and The Sun, Tillman was seen crying during the sentencing hearing. Regina approached him and told him, “I forgive you, and God loves you." In response, Tillman whispered, “I’m so sorry. I am so sorry."

The judge overseeing the case, Tony Baker, acknowledged the rare nature of the moment, saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the wife of a victim hug the defendant where they killed somebody."

Chuck Johnson, a beloved member of the community, was tragically killed in March 2024 when Tillman, under the influence of nitrous oxide, struck him while he was riding his electric bike. The incident devastated Regina and their family, but her act of forgiveness has since drawn widespread attention and praise.

Tillman’s 20-year prison sentence includes a provision to suspend prison time if he completes a two-year inpatient rehabilitation program, as reported by ABC 7.

The emotional moment was captured on video and shared widely on social media by Colin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics, who posted it on X. The clip sparked a mix of reactions from viewers. Some praised Regina Johnson’s strength and compassion, with one user, Enormous James (@RealEnormous), writing, “It was an accident. She’s a strong and sensible woman." Another, Dan Holbrook (@DanHolbrook), commented, “That is a woman with God in her heart." However, not all reactions were positive. Tim Buck Jr (@atilathehunybun) called the act “insane," adding, “She didn’t care about her husband." Dee Sage (@TheDeeGroup) wrote, “Let’s be honest with ourselves. No woman that really loved her husband would do this. This is his posthumous humiliation. She low key hated him."

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...

Read More

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First Published:

August 12, 2025, 09:00 IST

News viral ‘God Loves You’: Woman Forgives Man Who Took Her Husband’s Life, Hugs Him In Court | Watch

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