David Brom — who was convicted as a teenager in the 1988 ax murders of his parents and two siblings in Rochester — was released from state prison yesterday.
The big picture: Brom's release highlights a 2023 Minnesota law that banned life sentences without parole for juvenile offenders and made already-convicted offenders like Brom eligible for release.
What they're saying: State Sen. Jordan Rasmussen (R-Fergus Falls) issued a statement saying Brom's case highlights that the new life-in-prison law is too lenient.
In 2023, Rasmussen had pushed for juvenile offenders to be eligible for parole after 25 years. Lawmakers instead adopted a 15-year cutoff.
Yes, but: Brom would've been eligible either way; he served more than 35 years.
The other side: Gov. Tim Walz said last week the new law still requires a case-by-case review before an eligible offender is released: "If he's a threat to society, it means he's not getting out."
He also acknowledged the "horror" of Brom's crime.
The latest: Brom has been transferred to a Twin Cities halfway house on work release, Fox9 reports.
