
Joe Biden’s commutation of federal sentences during his final days in office has drawn sharp criticism, particularly for including Adrian Peeler, a man connected to a notorious double homicide in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The decision has sparked outrage from officials and the victims’ families, who view it as a miscarriage of justice.
Peeler was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder after the killings of Karen Clarke and her son, Leroy “B.J.” Brown, in their home. The murders, carried out to prevent the boy from testifying against Peeler’s brother, Russell, became a defining case in Connecticut’s history. B.J.’s testimony would have implicated Russell in a prior shooting, leading the brothers to eliminate him as a witness.
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
Adrian Peeler received a 25-year state sentence for his role in the killings, served concurrently with a 35-year federal drug sentence. After his state term ended in 2021, he remained in federal custody, with a release date set for 2033. Biden’s clemency reduces his sentence, making him eligible for release in 2025 — a move that blindsided Connecticut officials and prosecutors.
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
“This case led to critical changes in our laws and protections for witnesses,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “To grant clemency here disregards the gravity of the crime and the pain inflicted on the victims’ families.” Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim described the decision as “incomprehensible and inexcusable.”
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
The killings spurred the establishment of Connecticut’s witness protection program and remain a painful memory for the community. A park and mural in Bridgeport honor the lives of Clarke and her son, but Biden’s decision has reopened wounds. Clarke’s brother Oswald called the commutation a “slap in the face” to the family and the community.
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 in Connecticut confirmed they were not consulted before the clemency was granted. Critics argue that Biden’s sweeping commutations failed to consider the broader consequences for victims and their families, with Republican lawmakers calling for reforms to the clemency process.