Martha McKay displayed extraordinary compassion towards Travis Lewis, the man convicted of murdering her mother, Sally Snowden McKay, and her cousin in 1996. Despite the brutal nature of the crimes committed, Martha reached out to Lewis while he was serving his sentence and even hired him to work at her home in Arkansas, believing in his capacity for change. Her act of forgiveness was rooted in his guilty plea which he had entered without admitting to the full extent of his actions, instead suggesting another individual was responsible.

Tragically, this leap of faith took a turn for the worst when Travis Lewis, whom she had afforded a second chance, turned on her and ultimately murdered Martha. This incident raises profound questions about forgiveness, the complexities of rehabilitation for criminals, and the risks associated with extending compassion to individuals with violent pasts. It illustrates the sometimes unpredictable and devastating consequences of kindness in the face of heinous acts.

The tragic saga also highlights the emotional turmoil that can accompany the path of forgiveness, particularly in the context of violent crime. Martha's story is a poignant reminder of the dangers lurking in attempting to reconcile with those who have caused irreparable harm, and the complexities surrounding forgiveness, justice, and personal safety in the aftermath of profound loss.