A convicted murderer's audacious demand for freedom has sparked outrage among victims' families and legal experts.

According to Daily Mail, Brandon Council, who was sentenced to death for killing two female bank workers in South Carolina, has filed for "compassionate release" just days after President Biden commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment.

Council, 38, murdered bank employees Donna Major, 59, and Katie Skeen, 36, during a horrific bank robbery in Conway, South Carolina, in 2017.

The brutal killings were captured on the bank's security footage, forcing the victims' families to witness their loved ones' final moments during the subsequent trial.

Family Members Express Outrage Over Presidential Intervention

Betty Davis, 78, mother of victim Katie Skeen, voiced her devastation over Biden's decision to spare Council from execution.

The family learned of the president's decision during a conference call with victim advocates last Sunday. Davis emphasized the profound impact of the original death sentence on their healing process.

Davis shared her emotional response with investigators. According to her statement: "He's a low life. Both Biden and Council, they're both low lives."

The small city of Conway, with a population of just over 17,000 at the time, continues to grapple with the aftermath of these senseless killings. The violence has left an indelible mark on the coastal town in Horry County.

Legal Motion Claims Psychological Harm in Solitary Confinement

Council's legal team filed the motion in US District Court in Florence, arguing that their client has endured severe psychological damage. The filing suggests that Council's time in solitary confinement since November 2019 constitutes torture.

The motion details Council's experiences in isolation, claiming the conditions violate both legal and constitutional standards. According to medical experts cited in the Journal of Ethics, compassionate release typically applies to seriously ill or disabled inmates.

Council's legal representatives argue that while the death sentence has been commuted, the additional punishment of solitary confinement remains unauthorized and unjustified. They maintain that such treatment violates both domestic and international laws against torture.

Presidential Decision Sparks Nationwide Debate on Justice

President Biden's controversial decision to commute Council's sentence came as part of a broader action affecting 37 death row inmates. The announcement, made during Biden's final presidential decisions before his tenure ends, has ignited discussions about criminal justice reform.

The commutation represents a significant shift in federal death penalty policy. Only three death row inmates were not included in Biden's clemency action, highlighting the administration's stance on capital punishment.

The timing of Council's release request, coming mere days after the commutation announcement, has drawn criticism from law enforcement officials and victims' advocates. Many view the motion as an exploitation of the system.

Why This Story Matters

This story highlights critical issues, including the long-term impact of violent crimes on families and communities. It raises questions about the balance between criminal justice reform and the need to honor victims’ memories. The tragedy in Conway serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, compassion, and meaningful discussions about justice.

Conclusion

Brandon Council's case continues to reverberate through the justice system, transforming from a death penalty conviction to a complex legal battle over prisoner rights and presidential authority.

His shocking demand for release, following President Biden's commutation of his death sentence, has reopened wounds for the families of Donna Major and Katie Skeen while raising questions about the balance between punishment and prisoner welfare.

As the legal proceedings unfold in Florence's US District Court, the Conway community watches closely, remembering the tragic events of 2017 that forever changed their small coastal town.