Child Murderer Set for Release under New Minnesota Law
A man who was 16 when he committed a tragic crime in Minnesota is now on track for supervised release, thanks to the Juvenile Sentencing Act signed by Democratic Governor Tim Walz. David Brom, now 53, is expected to move to a halfway house on July 29 as part of a work release program. He had been convicted of four murder charges and sentenced to three life terms for the 1988 killings in Rochester.
The law, which abolished life sentences without the possibility of early release for juvenile offenders in 2023, has drawn criticism from some Republican officials. They express concerns about public safety as Brom prepares to reintegrate into society. House Speaker Lisa Demuth voiced strong sentiments regarding the case, emphasizing the need to prioritize community safety over the leniency afforded to violent criminals.
Governor Walz’s office has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation. The legislation, championed by Democrats, allows for early release of juvenile offenders who have served at least 15 years of their sentence. Although some bipartisan support existed initially, the final version of the law lacked any Republican endorsements.
While Brom remains incarcerated, reports indicate that he will be under supervision and GPS tracking upon his release. During a recent parole committee meeting, Brom expressed remorse for his past actions, claiming he has gained emotional maturity since the horrific event in which he took the lives of his family members. At the time of their deaths, his siblings were just 13 and 11 years old.
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, who was involved in the investigation back in 1988, shared his concerns about Brom’s impending release. He highlighted the impact of Brom’s decisions, describing them as “selfish and immature” actions of a teenager that led to the loss of innocent lives. Torgerson acknowledged his mix of feelings regarding the situation, noting how challenging it is to reconcile the past with the present transition Brom is facing.
