The U.S. Supreme Court last week denied former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger’s appeal of her murder conviction and 10-year prison sentence for the murder of Botham “Bo” Jean.
On September 6, 2018, Guyger parked on the fourth floor instead of the third following a 13-hour shift. Guyger then entered Jean’s apartment, apparently believing it to be her own.
After seeing Jean’s shadow, she seemingly mistook him for a burglar and shot the 26-year-old preacher and accountant in the heart while he ate ice cream on his couch.
On October 2, 2019, Guyger was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Since the original trial, Guyger’s legal defense team has attempted to appeal the conviction and sentence. Guyger’s lawyers assert that her actions were protected under the castle doctrine since Guyger thought she was in her apartment.
In August 2021, a Texas appeals court upheld the murder conviction and sentence. Later, she appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeals in March 2022 to no avail. The U.S. Supreme Court was Guyger’s final opportunity to appeal her conviction and sentence.
Jean’s family attorney, S. Lee Merritt, called the original sentencing “inadequate.” The victim’s mother, Allison Jean, claimed the murder exposes the corruption within the Dallas Police Department.
However, Brandt Jean, the victim’s brother, gave Guyger a long hug during his victim impact statement and said he forgave the former cop for her actions.
“If you truly are sorry — I know I can speak for myself — I forgive you, and I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you,” said Brandt to Guyger during the 2019 trial.
Since Jean’s death, his spirit has rippled throughout the city of Dallas, the state of Texas, and the entire nation.
From the naming of Botham Jean Boulevard to the erecting of the memorial at Harding University (Jean’s Alma Mater) to the creation of the Botham Jean Foundation, Jean’s impact can still be felt despite his passing.
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott signed “Bo’s Law” to honor his life, restricting the castle doctrine and prohibiting officers from turning off their body cameras, as reported by The Dallas Express.
Guyger will be eligible for parole in 2024.
