Biden’s Clemency For Connecticut Convict Sparks Outrage
Joe Biden’s commutation of nearly 2,500 prison sentences in his final days in office included Adrian Peeler, a man implicated in the 1999 murders of Karen Clarke and her 8-year-old son, Leroy “B.J.” Brown. The decision has drawn widespread condemnation from officials and victims’ families, who see it as a slap in the face to justice.
Peeler was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in the case that rocked Bridgeport and spurred the creation of Connecticut’s witness protection program. Acting on his brother Russell Peeler’s orders, Adrian shot Clarke and Brown to silence the boy, who had identified Russell as the perpetrator of a previous shooting. The commutation reduced Adrian’s federal drug sentence, setting him free nearly a decade earlier than expected.
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
“This was a cold, calculated crime that changed laws and devastated families,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “The fact that such a person received clemency is an insult to the victims and their loved ones.” Blumenthal and others criticized the lack of oversight in Biden’s clemency decisions.
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
The murders of Clarke and Brown were among the most notorious in Connecticut’s history. The boy’s testimony against Russell would have been key in a separate murder trial, leading the brothers to act. The killings highlighted the need for stronger witness protections, prompting the state legislature to pass laws safeguarding those at risk.
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
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim joined the chorus of outrage, stating, “This decision shocks the conscience. It’s a terrible mistake that dismisses the pain of the families and community.” Ganim noted that the killings left a lasting mark, with a park and mural honoring the victims in Bridgeport.
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
Federal prosecutors handling Peeler’s drug case expressed frustration over the lack of consultation before the clemency decision. Republican State Representative Vincent Candelora called Biden’s action “a reckless disregard for justice,” urging reforms to prevent similar clemencies in the future.
The case has renewed focus on the Biden administration’s approach to criminal justice reform, particularly in cases involving violent offenders. Clarke’s brother, Oswald, expressed the family’s dismay, stating, “This retraumatizes us all over again. It’s a betrayal of everything we fought for.”