Georgia Widow Regina Johnson Hugs the Convicted Killer of Her Husband of 50 Years, Igniting Online Uproar

Tears filled a Georgia courtroom as a widow wrapped her arms around her husband's killer — an act that stunned many, including the judge overseeing the case.

A Georgia woman has ignited strong reactions online for hugging the man who killed her husband during his sentencing hearing. The gesture left many surprised. According to court records, Regina Johnson's husband, Chuck Johnson, was struck and killed in a hit-and-run.

The driver, Joseph Tillman, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle, DUI, making a false statement, and reckless driving. He was sentenced to 20 years, with prison time suspended if he completes a two-year inpatient rehabilitation program.

During the hearing, Regina walked toward Joseph and embraced him. The judge, who was also taken aback by the gesture, later commented on the unusual scene. "I don't think I've ever seen the wife of a victim hug the defendant where they killed somebody," he said.

The courtroom embrace quickly spread across social media, drawing a wave of reactions. While some praised Regina's decision, others questioned it."I think him pleading guilty and taking responsibility for his actions certainly helped her forgive him," one commenter wrote. Another called it "a truly powerful and moving moment of forgiveness."

Not everyone agreed. "Uhm, NO! I understand letting go of the anger, but hugging the man who killed your husband??" Someone posted. Another warned, "Nah don't normalize this. If someone did that to one of my loved ones, there wouldn't be forgiveness."

Others saw the moment as inspirational. "Bless this woman! So difficult to do, but she lead by example. Unbelievable,[sic]" one person commented. "I bet that hug meant so much to the defendant. Amazing," another wrote. A third person noted, "What a courageous lady she is!! May God bless her and transform that young man's heart and life!!"

Some responses focused on the broader message. "It is very disturbing that our society touts forgiveness higher than almost anything, and judges those that do not appear to forgive," one post read. "You know what? Some things are unforgivable. Some anger is appropriate, healthy, and healing. If forgiving makes you personally feel better, that’s fine. But seriously no pressure. You grieve, process, and heal the right way for YOU."

Another echoed that sentiment, "Can we normalize NOT having to forgive everything in order to be considered a good person?"

Regina said her decision to hug Joseph came from faith. According to WSB-TV, "God told her he needed a mom hug." In the County courtroom last week, she wrapped her arm around Joseph's neck, holding him for several seconds. Footage shared on YouTube showed him red-faced and tearful when they stepped apart.

During the embrace, she told him she forgave him. She said he whispered back, "I'm so sorry. I’m so sorry." Joseph, who pleaded guilty to charges related to Chuck's death, also spoke in court. "I pray that you hear my heart when I say I am truly, completely sorry," he said in an emotional statement.

Explaining her actions, Regina said, "Joey doesn't know yet how much God loves him. Joey needs healing of things in his past, as we all do. And that is our heart and prayer."

According to court records, Joseph struck and killed 78-year-old Chuck in a hit-and-run. Chuck, who had been married to Regina for 50 years, was riding his electric bike at the time.

Investigators said Joseph had been drinking alcohol at Game Day Sports Bar before heading to a friend's house. Along the way, he obtained nitrous oxide and began inhaling it. Authorities believe he passed out shortly before leaving the roadway and hitting Chuck.

Chuck suffered fatal injuries at the scene. Following the incident, Joseph left without stopping, according to investigators. Chuck and Regina's children also addressed the court during the sentencing.

His daughter, Brittany McCarthy, spoke directly to Joseph. "I will always be the daughter of a man that you killed. I will be the daughter whose heart you shattered, a life you forever changed because of your choice to do drugs while driving," she said, her voice breaking.

Chuck's son also condemned Joseph's actions, telling the court that he had become a deadly weapon and that his father had paid the price with his life.