"Death would have been the easier path, in some ways. I had nightmares about it for months," was Romeo's first answer. "The look in his eyes, the way he fell. If I could steal back the bullets and give him what life he would live" - and it was clear he did not think much good would come from this life - "I would."

"But if I am being honest, I must say I would want my friend back first, and I am not sorry his killer was punished."