Shooting victim forgives offender

Published 2:30 pm Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Debra Johnson says she forgives the man who robbed and shot her during a holdup of her family-owned business in Baldwin County last year.

“My mother, Marvie Johnson and deceased father, Booker T. Johnson raised amazing, decent and compassionate children who would help anyone,” Johnson wrote in victim impact statements during the sentencing hearing for Gregory Allen Simmons Jr.

The hearing was held April 23 in Baldwin County Superior Court with Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Alison T. Burleson presiding.

Johnson was wounded in the chest during the Dec. 30, 2024, robbery at the Kontry Stoe on Sparta Highway. She survived.

Her sister Cynthia Poole read her statements during Simmons’ guilty plea sentencing hearing.

Johnson said her parents raised her and her siblings to believe in God.

“As a result, I want you, Mr. Simmons, to know that although I hate what you did on Dec. 30, I don’t hate you,” Poole said on behalf of her sister. “In fact, I forgive you. This is the only way for me to gain internal peace and move on, to grow from this assault.”

Wiping tears, Poole looked at Simmons, who sat at the defense table with his attorney.

“My hope is that you open your heart to God and welcome Him into your life,” Johnson wrote. “Then seek His forgiveness.”

Johnson also talked about what went on at the store shortly before the robbery and shooting.

“On Dec. 30, 2024, I was busy preparing the traditional food items at the Kuntry Stoe that bring peace and prosperity for the New Year,” she wrote. “I had visions of what the New Year would be like and knew if I continued to work hard, I would reach my goals.”

The Kuntry Stoe was in business for more than 30 years, but since the robbery and shooting, the store has closed its doors. Family members plan to sell the store.

“Every customer that entered the Kuntry Stoe started out as strangers who quickly became friends and then our extended family,” Johnson wrote. “I’ve watched kids … grow up and bring their kids to our store for trick or treat. I valued my customers and enjoyed seeing them everyday.”

Johnson said she was startled when Simmons walked into the store and put a gun to her neck.

“I turned to see a stranger with a gun,” Johnson wrote. “I was shot by Mr. Simmons but prayed to God to let me remain calm and get the robber out of my store. God allowed me to stand, and due to unknown reasons, I felt no pain or fear, only God’s presence.”

Johnson called 911 for help after the robber left.

“I’m sure Mr. Simmons had rehearsed his plan to rob me and had calculated all the steps to ensure he would get away with no problems,” Johnson said. “He made sure there was no one else at the Kuntry Stoe and that he had his gun and ammunition.”

She contended Simmons didn’t plan on God being present that morning, and his plan was unraveling.

“The memories of Dec. 30, 2024, will forever be engrained in my mind, body and soul,” Johnson said. “I remember my mother screaming from a phone when told I had been shot. I have experienced depression, anxiety and PTSD.”

She said she has been unable to work for several days because she fears being alone.

“My ability to be carefree is gone and my happiness there (at the store) will never be the same,” she said. “My goals and dreams for the Kuntry Stoe have seemingly disappeared.”

Johnson said Simmons not only attempted to take her life that morning, he also attempted to take away her sense of security, health, laughter and potential for the future.

“Today, I will take from Gregory Simmons,” Johnson said. “I will receive justice and peace. My family, friends and customers will also take from Gregory Simmons. They will benefit by knowing justice was served and that I will receive some form of closure.”

Simmons was sentenced to life in prison.

During an interview with authorities shortly after he was arrested, Simmons confessed to the crimes.

He later penned a written apology.

“I’m very sorry for doing what I did,” Simmons wrote. “I really did not mean it at all. Sorry about what happened today. It was not supposed to happen like this.”