A South Carolina mother unleashes her anger at President Joe Biden over his decision to commute the death sentence of her daughter's killer.

According to Daily Mail, Betty Davis, 78, calls Biden a "low life" after learning that Brandon Council, who murdered her daughter Katie Skeen during a 2017 bank robbery, will now serve life in prison instead of facing execution.

The commutation decision was announced on Monday, affecting 37 death row inmates, including Council. Davis and her family, including Skeen's father, John, husband Tracy, and two sons, Noah and River, received the news during a conference call with victim advocates on Sunday. The announcement has reopened deep wounds for the family, who viewed the death sentence as justice for their loved one.

Presidential Decision Sparks Outrage in Conway Community

The small city of Conway, South Carolina, with a population of just over 17,000, finds itself doubly impacted by Biden's commutation decision. Besides Council's case, two other death row inmates connected to the city, Brandon Basham and Chadrick Fulks, also had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. These decisions have prompted strong reactions from local authorities and community members.

Conway officials expressed their dismay through an official statement posted on the city's Facebook page. The statement emphasized how the crimes had left an indelible mark on their community and highlighted the thorough legal process that led to the original death sentences.

Betty Davis, speaking exclusively about her daughter's killer, shared her thoughts with Daily Mail.

He deserved the sentence he got. My daughter had no choice over her fate, she didn't get to choose what he did to her.

Complex History Behind Bank Robbery Murders

The tragic events unfolded at CresCom Bank in Conway, where Katie Skeen, 36, and her co-worker Donna Major, 59, lost their lives during Council's armed robbery. Security footage captured the horrifying incident, which was later presented during Council's three-week trial in 2019, forcing families to witness their loved ones' final moments.

Davis emphasizes the emotional impact of the trial evidence, particularly the security footage. She believes everyone should see Council's emotionless expression during the murders, stating there is no room for sympathy.

The family maintains close relationships with the investigators who arrested Council and the attorneys who prosecuted him. According to Davis, these law enforcement professionals share the family's distress over the commutation decision.

Biden Administration Faces Mounting Criticism

The president's decision to commute the death sentences of 37 federal death row inmates while sparing only three has sparked considerable controversy. Among those not granted clemency were Dylan Roof, Robert Bowers, and Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

South Carolina Representative Russell Fry voiced his opposition to the decision on social media platform X. He criticized the timing of the announcement, which came during the Christmas season, suggesting it showed disregard for the victims' families.

The timing has drawn particular criticism from other victims' families as well. Michigan father Tim Timmerman, whose daughter and granddaughter were murdered by one of the commuted inmates, called the decision's timing "despicable."

Family Seeks Solace Amid Renewed Grief

Despite their heartbreak, the Davis family has found strength in the outpouring of community support following Biden's announcement. They remain close to Skeen's husband and have received numerous messages of encouragement from friends and supporters.

The family plans to spend the holidays together, remembering Katie Skeen, who was a devout Born-Again Christian. Davis mentioned that they feel her presence in spirit during this difficult time.

Betty Davis has expressed her support for president-elect Donald Trump, stating:

This country's going to hell in a handbasket. I absolutely support Donald Trump; I can't wait till he's back in power.

Presidential Clemency Decision Reshapes Justice

President Biden's commutation of 37 death row inmates' sentences marks a significant shift in federal death penalty policy. The decision affects some of the country's most notorious criminals, transforming their death sentences into life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

This sweeping commutation has particularly impacted the city of Conway, South Carolina, where multiple cases intersect. The decisions regarding Brandon Council, who murdered Katie Skeen and Donna Major, along with Basham and Fulks's cases, have forced the community to confront past tragedies while adapting to changed circumstances in their pursuit of justice.

Why This Story Matters

This story holds significant weight within the community as it highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing justice, clemency, and public safety. It stresses the importance of considering the families of victims in judicial decisions that could reopen old wounds.

In summary, President Joe Biden's decision to commute the sentences of numerous inmates, including that of Brandon Council, who was convicted of murdering two bank employees, has caused a deep and painful stir among the victims' families and the wider community, highlighting the delicate balance of justice and mercy in the legal system.