Amber Guyger, Former Cop Who Killed Botham Jean, Walks Free

Botham Jean’s killer walked free on Friday. In 2024, we reported that former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger was first informed she was eligible for parole on what would have been the 33rd birthday of the man whose apartment she walked into before shooting him dead, which she claimed was a result of her accidentally walking to what she thought was her own home. And while she was denied parole then, earlier this month, we reported that she was granted parole after serving seven years of what many would agree was an already-too-short 10-year sentence. That decision came just after Jean’s Sept. 29 birthday.

Well, now Guyger, 38, is out, having walked out of prison in Gatesville on Friday morning, according to CBS News.

“She’s still very remorseful, but she’s spent that time working on programs and rehabilitating and making sure that she can be … a productive member of society,” Guyger’s attorney, Robert Rodgers, told CBS after his client’s release. Rodgers also said Guyger has already lined up a new job and a place to live, which, to generations of Black ex-cons across the nation, must look like white privilege personified.

But at least she’ll still be under state supervision for a while, or whatever.

From CBS:

Officials told CBS News Texas that Guyger will be under strict parole supervision until her sentence expires in 2029 because she’s getting out of prison early. That supervision will include regular check-ins, travel restrictions, home visits and employment requirements. 

Guyger is also not allowed to live in Dallas County, contact Jean’s family or Dallas police officers, or leave the state of Texas without approval, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 

“Two days ago, the family of Botham Jean lovingly remembered their son and brother and celebrated his life on what would have been his birthday. Today, it was reported that Amber Guyger will be paroled and will serve the remainder of her sentence under supervision,” Jean’s family said in a joint statement. “The family of Botham Jean respectfully requests privacy at this time as they process this development and continue to navigate their grief. To the many well-wishers who continue to say Botham’s name, honor his life, and carry his memory forward, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your continued love and support.”

Sometimes it feels like being Black in America is to be in a constant state of navigating grief.

This is what justice is supposed to look like?

SEE ALSO:

Amber Guyger Paroled After Serving 7 Years For Killing Botham Jean

Botham Jean’s Family Reacts To $99M Verdict