UPDATE: In a surprising twist, Kerry Houston, aged 67 from Otis, Oregon, has confessed to a robbery committed nearly fifty years ago and is expressing gratitude that the victim’s family will accept his offer of $800 in restitution. This urgent development reveals a deep desire for justice and reconciliation after decades of silence.
Houston’s confession, detailed in a piece published by the Lewiston Tribune on October 15, 2023, has shed light on the identity of his victim, Lester C. Ayers, who tragically passed away in 1988. Ayers was 73 years old at the time of the robbery, which occurred behind the Lewiston Albertsons Food Center in 1975. Houston, who was only 17 then, admitted to attacking Ayers with a tree limb as he loaded expired produce into his vehicle.
This confession is not just a legal matter; it resonates deeply with the Ayers family, who have described their grandfather as “kind” and “sweet.” In a heartfelt response to Houston’s offer, a representative for Ayers’ more than 30 grandchildren confirmed they would accept the restitution and donate the funds to a cause honoring Lester’s memory.
Houston recalled that he stole $76 from Ayers, but he is now providing ten times that amount as a form of atonement. “More than anything, I am hoping some justice can be done,” he stated, reflecting on the burden of guilt he has carried for decades. His recollection aligns with details from a July 31, 1975, Tribune crime report, although police had initially believed two men were involved in the attack.
Houston firmly maintains that he acted alone, expressing surprise at the previous report. “That’s news to me,” he told the Tribune, emphasizing his sole responsibility for the crime. His admission and offer of restitution aim to put this painful chapter behind him.
In a surprising gesture of accountability, Houston even suggested that the Ayers family could strike him with a stick in retribution; however, he expressed relief that they declined this offer. “I knew I got it coming but I wasn’t looking forward to getting it,” he said, highlighting the emotional weight his confession carries.
While Houston’s willingness to face consequences is commendable, it is important to note that Idaho has a five-year statute of limitations for robbery and aggravated assault, which means legal repercussions are unlikely at this late stage.
As this story develops, the Ayers family’s response highlights the power of forgiveness and the possibility of closure after years of unresolved trauma. Houston’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of crime on victims and their families, and the potential for redemption through acknowledgment and restitution.
Stay tuned for more updates on this extraordinary case as it unfolds.
