How to consider victims opposing killer’s execution?

As stressed in posts here, I find the role of victims at sentencing quite intriguing and far more nuanced than most realize.  (The two latest issues of the Federal Sentencing Reporter focused on victims effectively spotlight many of these nuances.)  An intriguing example of these issues in a death penalty context emerges from this Ohio story about a murder victim’s family’s plan to seek clemency for their daughter’s killer:

The Murrays love for their lost daughter is prompting them to make an extraordinary request by asking Gov. Ted Strickland to spare the life of Gregory McKnight, the man who kidnapped and killed her.  He left her body rolled up in carpet in a vacant trailer on his Vinton County property.  The family will appeal either directly to the governor or through a petition drive.  To act on the request, the governor would need an Ohio Parole Board recommendation, which he could request.

Although many parents wouldn’t consider such a move, the Murrays searched their grieving hearts and found “love and loyalty” for their daughter’s wishes far outweighed any thoughts of revenge.  “It’s about Emily.  It’s about the people of Ohio.  When we execute someone, in some subtle ways, we may harm ourselves,” Mr. Murray said in a telephone interview from his home.  If McKnight was serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole, “We would have less reason to think about him,” Mrs. Murray said.

McKnight, 30, is on Death Row at the Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown. He was convicted and sentenced to death for abducting and killing Murray and Greg Julious, 20, in November 2000. Julious’ burned body parts were found scattered around the property…. 

Vinton County Prosecutor Timothy Gleeson said the death penalty in McKnight’s case is justified and fair.  He vowed, however, to do “absolutely nothing to prevent the governor from considering anything and everything that the Murrays may present.” “I would actually encourage the governor to consider what they have to say. I very much appreciate and respect the Murrays’ opinion on this. They have a unique perspective.”

The article does not even mention the family of McKnight’s other murder victim, Greg Julious.  If Julious’ family also opposes McKnight’s execution, does this become an easy case for clemency for Ohio’s new Governor?  If Julious’ family is eager for McKnight’s execution, are the Murrays’ opinions of far less consequence?