It was 12 years ago this evening when Fort Bend D.A. John Healey called me to tell me that my courtroom partner Gil Simon Epstein had been shot by a parolee during an aggravated robbery at the Jewish Community Center in Houston, Texas.

I'll never forget watching him be unplugged from life support at Ben Taub about an hour later.

I learned many lessons in life and as a trial attorney from Gil, who was ten years my junior. Funny how the student can become the teacher.

They say time heals all wounds, and we as prosecutors know that is not correct. But it does get better over time. His killer was executed a few years ago, so that vermin no longers threatens citizens both free and incarcerated.

Thinking about you, my friend.

I'm not the best about posting on this thread every year, but not a day goes by that Gil's friends and family do not miss him.

I have asked Shannon or Sarah to post a copy of a memorial I wrote for the Texas Prosecutor in this column. I scanned and emailed them a copy. [It has been added to this post. -SE]

For all of you who do not know who Gil Epstein was, I would appreciate a prayer this evening for his mother, father, brother and nephew as well as for the multitude of friends who have survived him.

He was a damn good guy.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Shannon Edmonds,

Here's the end to the story of the man with no name who killed Brother Epstein.

Killer gets executed

Thanks, Abby!

RIP, my friend.

Hard to believe it's been 20 years.