
Joe Biden’s decision to commute the federal sentence of Adrian Peeler, convicted of conspiring in a double murder that shocked Connecticut in 1999, has left victims’ families and state leaders outraged. The killings of Karen Clarke and her 8-year-old son, Leroy “B.J.” Brown, led to significant changes in state law, including the creation of a witness protection program.
Peeler, who was serving a 35-year federal sentence for drug trafficking, had his prison term shortened to allow for release in July 2025. He had already completed a state sentence for his role in orchestrating the murders, which were carried out to prevent Brown from testifying against Peeler’s brother, Russell, in a separate murder case.
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
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, who served as the state’s attorney general at the time of the murders, condemned the clemency as a grave mistake, stating it highlights flaws in the pardon process. Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim also criticized the decision, noting that the killings were so heinous they prompted legislative action to protect witnesses.
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 remain a haunting chapter in Bridgeport’s history. Clarke and her son were killed in their home, with investigators determining the crime was ordered by Russell Peeler to eliminate witnesses to his criminal activities. The case underscored the dangers faced by those who come forward against violent criminals.
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
Federal prosecutors involved in Peeler’s drug case were not informed of Biden’s decision until after it was announced. This lack of transparency has added to the backlash, with critics calling for a review of the clemency process to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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
A park and mural in Bridgeport commemorate Clarke and Brown, serving as a reminder of the impact of their deaths. Local leaders and victims’ advocates argue that Biden’s clemency decision undermines the justice system and retraumatizes the families of those who lost loved ones to violent crime.