Shortly before being led into the death chamber, Lonnie was handed a statement (poem) from his victim's relatives, in which they offered their forgiveness.

The poem by Cook's nephew, Jamie Hollis, read in part,
"A soul that is lost, pays no greater cost, than to leave this world, without being forgiven."
"No, not by my family or me, for we forgive," it said. "

"I received your poem, and I am very grateful for your forgiveness," Lonnie said to Cook's relatives in his last statement. "I still want to ask you for it anyway. I have Jesus in my heart, and I am sorry for any pain I caused you all. Thank you for your forgiveness." Cook's sister, sobbing, replied, "We forgive you." Lonnie also thanked his family and friends and expressed love to them.