Can forgiveness play a role in criminal justice?

This article really pulled at my heart strings. I felt so terrible for the two families as something unspeakable changed their lives forever. had there not been a gun in that house, Ann Grosemire would still be alive. It was such a freak of the moment incident that would end one life and change many lives.  I think forgiveness needs to become a more frequent occurrence in our time. I know from the past month I have noticed how stubborn and unforgiving many of my friends and family are and it is not healthy for them. they hold onto anger and stress over a situation instead of letting it go and moving past it. I dont think restorative justice should be taken lightly but i remember reading Conor McBride's comment how at the meeting with Ann's parents, it was more difficult then anything a judge could say. I believe people make mistakes but i do not think an eye for an eye is relevant here. Restorative justice allows people to forgive and move past the tragedy.