Connecticut Outraged By Clemency For Convicted Conspirator In Double Murder

A controversial clemency decision by Joe Biden has sparked outrage in Connecticut, where Adrian Peeler, convicted in a notorious 1999 double murder, is now set for early release. The decision has left victims’ families and officials reeling.

Peeler was convicted of conspiring to kill Karen Clarke and her 8-year-old son Leroy “B.J.” Brown. Acting on orders from his brother, Russell, Peeler carried out the murders to prevent the young boy from testifying in a murder trial. The crime was so shocking it led to the creation of a state witness protection program.

Despite being sentenced to 35 years for drug trafficking, Peeler’s sentence was reduced through Biden’s clemency. Initially set to be released in 2033, Peeler will now walk free in July 2025. This decision has been widely criticized as undermining justice and dismissing the severity of the crimes.

Senator Richard Blumenthal called the clemency a failure of the system, emphasizing the brutality of the crime. Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, who attended the victims’ funerals, described the move as “inexcusable.” Both officials have called for a review of the clemency process to address such oversights.

Clarke’s brother, Oswald, said the commutation traumatized the family all over again. He expressed frustration that federal prosecutors were neither consulted nor notified before the decision. The lack of transparency has fueled calls for systemic reform in the clemency process.

The killings remain a painful memory for Bridgeport, where a park and mural honor the victims. While the community mourns, officials have vowed to push for reforms to ensure justice is not undermined in similar cases moving forward.