Former Dallas cop who killed St Lucian Botham Jean granted parole

DALLAS, United States (CMC) – Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger, who was convicted of murdering St Lucian-born accountant Botham Jean in his apartment in 2018, has been granted parole by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Guyger was convicted seven years ago on October 1, 2019, and sentenced to 10 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Jean, who was 26. Jean, who was born in St Lucia and raised in the Caribbean before moving to the United States, was killed inside his Dallas apartment after Guyger, who lived in the same building, mistakenly entered his apartment.

Jean’s mother was from St Lucia, further strengthening the family’s connection to the island. Guyger told authorities that she had mistakenly parked on the wrong floor of the apartment building, went to what she believed was her own apartment and entered Jean’s home, believing him to be an intruder before shooting him. She faced a possible sentence ranging from five years to life in prison and was ultimately sentenced to 10 years.

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles said its decision was based, among other factors, on the absence of a documented pattern of violent or assaultive arrests or convictions, Guyger’s satisfactory adjustment while incarcerated and her participation in programmes designed to improve her prospects for stable employment. The board did not announce a release date. A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said there is not yet an official release date for Guyger.

The decision came shortly after Jean’s family marked what would have been his birthday. In a statement released after the parole decision, the family asked for privacy as it processes the development and continues to grieve. “Two days ago, the family of Botham Jean lovingly remembered their son and brother and celebrated his life on what would have been his birthday,” the family said.

“To the many well-wishers who continue to say Botham’s name, honour his life, and carry his memory forward, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your continued love and support.” Attorney Lee Merritt, who represents Jean’s family, said they were “deeply disappointed” by the parole decision. He said the family and community had opposed parole and had asked that Guyger serve the full sentence. “A 10-year sentence was already a fraction of what was lost.

Releasing Ms Guyger after seven years …