Utah Dad Says He Has Forgiven Son Who Tried to Kill Him for College Tuition

Utah dad son pardon forgiven

By Fatima Virrey , Parent Herald Sep 13, 07:07 am

A Utah dad whose son attempted to kill him in 2014 says that he has forgiven his son for what he did. The dad, Weston Harding, said that he has long forgiven his son, "My greatest interest is in his well-being and his progression."

The son, Erik Dair Harding, has appeared before the parole board. His family has expressed support for the 22-year-old son.

The attempt to kill the Utah dad

In 2016, Erik tried to kill his father by planting a pipe bomb to his SUV. The bomb detonated, but the Utah dad survived while sustaining injuries.

Authorities discovered the pipe bomb under the driver's seat. During the investigation, the police asked the Utah dad if he has any idea of who might have grudge against him. According to the Utah dad, his youngest son expressed his upset about different matters. The investigation disclosed that Erik was upset because his parents could not afford to send him to college.

After blowing up his father's SUV, Erik made another pipe bomb, this time in an attempt to take his own life.

The failed attempts and the reason behind them

Erik admitted that he has searched ways in making a pipe bomb on the internet. He did this when he realized that he cannot attend college.

According to police reports, the son thought of killing his father so that he could claim zero income on his application for financial aid in college.

The son gets convicted

After a year of police investigation, the son was convicted for attempted murder, a first-degree felony, and attempted recklessness of an incendiary device, and second-degree felony.

(Photo: Cameron Casey from Pexels)
Utah Dad Says He Has Forgiven Son Who Tried to Kill Him for College Tuition

The conviction comes with an order to serve the prison for at least three years or up to life imprisonment.

Utah dad forgives his son

Even if his son has done something serious, the father from Utah along with other family members, has constantly written letters to the parole board and showed up to the hearing to show support.

Weston says during parole hearings that he loves his son and he has completely forgiven him. The Utah dad's concern now is for his son's well-being.

Aside from this, the father shared that he has seen how his son has improved over time. He said, "He definitely wants to pick up his life and move forward. He now has hopes for the future and desires to make a positive influence."

Weston believes that people who have no support will not go a long way. He also said that he is hoping that his son will soon come home.

The Board of pardons with five members will vote on whether they are going to grant parole to the 22-year-old man.