URGENT UPDATE: A man has confessed to a robbery committed over 50 years ago, expressing gratitude that the victim’s family is willing to accept his offer of restitution. Kerry Houston, 67, from Otis, Oregon, revealed his long-buried secret in an interview with the Lewiston Tribune, igniting a wave of emotional responses from the family of the victim, Lester C. Ayers.
In a stunning turn of events, the family identified their grandfather, who tragically passed away in 1988, as the man Houston attacked in 1975. Ayers was 73 years old at the time and was assaulted outside the Lewiston Albertsons Food Center when Houston struck him from behind with a tree limb. Houston admits to taking $76 from Ayers’ wallet, a detail corroborated by the original police report.
The family, represented by over 30 grandchildren, has graciously accepted Houston’s offer of $800 as restitution, a sum Houston calculated as ten times the amount he stole. They plan to donate the money to a cause honoring their grandfather’s memory. “It’s wonderful news that the grandkids are holding onto this,” Houston expressed, relieved to finally learn the identity of his victim.
Houston’s confession contrasts with the initial police belief that two assailants were involved. “That’s news to me,” he stated emphatically, asserting he acted alone. Despite the weight of his past, Houston expressed a desire for justice and closure, stating, “More than anything, I am hoping some justice can be done.”
Authorities have confirmed that the statute of limitations for robbery in Idaho is five years, meaning Houston will not face criminal charges for his actions. Nonetheless, he has expressed a willingness to accept jail time if necessary, showcasing his remorse. In a surprising twist, Houston offered to let Ayers’ family strike him in return, a proposal they declined. “I knew I got it coming but I wasn’t looking forward to getting it,” he admitted.
This emotional story highlights the human impact of crime and the possibility of redemption, resonating with many who feel the weight of their past actions. As the family prepares to honor their grandfather’s legacy with the restitution, Houston hopes his confession will finally allow him to put this chapter of his life behind him.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
