
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.
Double murderer Adrian Peeler will be released this year thanks to Biden. He shot a 7 year-old in the back of the head and riddled his mom with lead. We need common sense criminal control. https://t.co/DUXZdmM6H8
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) January 27, 2025
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.
As the Senator alluded to, Connecticut created an entirely new witness protection program as a result of Adrian Peeler executing the son and his mother in their home – to cover up a different murder as a part of his drug ring.
Biden set this man free, effective July. pic.twitter.com/jwK2vD9iMa
— Max Meyer (@mualphaxi) January 26, 2025
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.
A drug dealer murdered a mother and her 8 year old as they witnessed his crimes.
He was in federal prison on drug charges.
According to the ACLU, Reason, and Cato, he was a "non-violent drug offender."
Now he's free.
Great job weed heads.https://t.co/f0aSfPcYC0
— Cernovich (@Cernovich) January 28, 2025
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.
Adrian Peeler was the farthest thing from a "nonviolent drug offender." This is yet another sobering example of the irresponsible and incompetent leadership from the Biden administration.
And now a drug trafficker who murdered a young boy and his mother is due to be set free. https://t.co/3UsvNTx9Ps
— CTGOP (@CTGOP) January 27, 2025
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.