An apology from Ezra Skinner's mother

An open letter to the people of Boundary and Bonner Counties, Idaho, and Lincoln County:

As the mother of Ezra L. Skinner, and concerning the recent unbelievable, uncharacteristic, shocking behavior for his part in the horrific murder of Mr. Travis J. Gillett in Lincoln County in January 2017, I truly apologize to the family and friends of Travis and especially to his grieving mother. I can only imagine the intense pain and unrelenting suffering my son has caused them ... (and our family).

My purpose is to let people know that alcohol and drugs and lies played a devastating effect in this case and is not an excuse.

My son, Ezra, had a lot of good qualities and potential to make and have a good life for himself but threw that all away when he made the choice to go contrary to what he was taught from his youth.

I am so sorry for him and for all the families and friends who knew Ezra and loved him so much.

Ezra will be greatly missed here in North Idaho, and so will Travis Gillett in Montana.

We can only hope for ‘that day’ ... and in the meantime we will be “waiting patiently at the end of the trail ...”

Thank you all for your prayers and support for both families.

P.S.: EZ, Thank you for coming forward, after the fact ... to try to make things right.

—Love, Momala

Bonners Ferry, ID