More than six years after Botham Jean was killed in his Dallas apartment, the former officer convicted of his murder, Amber Guyger, is now eligible for parole. Guyger, who is halfway through her 10-year sentence, became eligible on what would have been Jean's 33rd birthday. His sister, Allisa Charles-Findley, said, "His birthdays are always hard but today it is extremely hard because Amber Guyger is also eligible for parole."
Jean, a Dallas accountant, was shot by Guyger, who was a Dallas police officer at the time. Guyger claimed she mistook Jean's apartment for her own and shot him in self-defense after thinking he was an intruder. She lived one floor below him.
A jury convicted Guyger of murder, sentencing her to 10 years. Now, five years into that sentence, Guyger's potential release is something Jean's family opposes. "She has only been in for five years and we have a lifetime left without Botham," Charles-Findley said.
Jean's family, including his parents and brother, plan to be interviewed by the Texas Parole Board and are writing letters to oppose Guyger's release. Charles-Findley voiced frustration with the justice system, stating, "Even if she's granted parole for killing a 26-year-old young man's life that was just lying on the couch eating ice cream and watching football, it says a lot about our justice system."
While awaiting the parole board's decision, Jean's family continues to pray for strength, with a decision expected next month. The Dallas County District Attorney's Office has submitted a letter to the parole board opposing Guyger's release. Guyger's attorney has not yet responded to media requests for comment.
Link: NBC DFW
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