Current:Home > MarketsBrothers resentenced to 60 years to life in 1995 slayings of parents, younger brother-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Brothers resentenced to 60 years to life in 1995 slayings of parents, younger brother
View Date:2024-12-23 20:40:20
EASTON, Pa. (AP) — Two Pennsylvania brothers sentenced to life in the slayings of their parents and younger brother almost three decades ago have been resentenced to terms that may offer them a chance at parole.
A Lehigh County judge on Wednesday sentenced 46-year-old Bryan Freeman and 45-year-old David Freeman to terms of 60 years to life. Both have served just under three decades in prison for their murder convictions and would be in their 70s before they would be eligible for parole.
Bryan Freeman wept as he expressed remorse and took responsibility for what he called “a terrible crime,” The (Allentown) Morning Call reported. “Everyone deserves to live a safe, happy life free of violence and pain and I took that away from my family and my community. ... I would give anything to have my family back and take away all the trauma,” he said.
He also said his religious faith gave him the belief that he would “be able to see my family again and apologize to them and beg their forgiveness.” David Freeman’s attorney, Matthew Rapa, argued that his client was acting under his brother’s orders.
Bryan and David were 17 and 16, respectively, and authorities said they were affiliated with a white supremacist skinhead movement at the time of the February 1995 slayings of Dennis and Brenda Freeman and 11-year-old Erik Freeman in Salisbury Township. They and an accomplice fled to Michigan, where they were captured three days later.
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling barring life without parole terms for juveniles has resulted in resentencing hearings in such cases.
The Morning Call reported that a defense psychiatrist testified about troubling circumstances during their upbringing that she said helped lead to drinking and drug problems. Another psychiatrist called by prosecutors, however, said some of the language used by the brothers during their assessments seemed designed to minimize their culpability.
veryGood! (1282)
Related
- Mike Tyson concedes the role of villain to young foe in 58-year-old’s fight with Jake Paul
- Jennifer Lopez files to divorce Ben Affleck on second wedding anniversary
- Chipotle brings back IQ test giving away more than $1 million in free burritos, BOGO deals
- Rapper NBA Youngboy to plead guilty to Louisiana gun charge
- Shel Talmy, produced hits by The Who, The Kinks and other 1960s British bands, dead at 87
- Young mother killed in gunfire during brawl at Alabama apartment complex, authorities say
- How Ben Affleck Hinted at Being Incompatible With Jennifer Lopez Months Before Split
- 5-time Olympian cyclist found dead in Las Vegas: 'May she rest in peace'
- Too Hot to Handle’s Francesca Farago Gives Birth, Welcomes Twins With Jesse Sullivan
- Lithium drilling project temporarily blocked on sacred tribal lands in Arizona
Ranking
- 2025 Medicare Part B premium increase outpaces both Social Security COLA and inflation
- She didn’t see her Black heritage in crossword puzzles. So she started publishing her own
- Christina Hall Seemingly Shades Her Exes in Birthday Message to Son Brayden
- Kelly Stafford Reveals What Husband Matthew Stafford Really Thinks About Her Baring All on Her Podcast
- Mississippi woman pleads guilty to stealing Social Security funds
- Committee says lack of communication, training led to thousands of dropped cases by Houston police
- Savannah Chrisley Shares Email Mom Julie Chrisley Sent From Prison
- Small and affordable Jeep Cherokee and Renegade SUVs are returning
Recommendation
-
Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid Enjoy a Broadway Date Night and All that Jazz
-
Mayim Bialik, other celebs are doing hyperbaric oxygen therapy. What is it?
-
Cute Fall Decor That Has Nothing To Do with Halloween
-
Everything You Need to Create the Perfect Home Bar — Get Up To 75% Off Bar Carts & Shop Essentials
-
Suspected shooter and four others are found dead in three Kansas homes, police say
-
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava cruises to reelection victory
-
California announces new deal with tech to fund journalism, AI research
-
Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union Leagues Cup semifinal: How to watch Wednesday's game