In 1988, 16-year-old David Brom shocked the country when he picked up an axe and murdered his entire family in Rochester, Minnesota. His parents, his 13-year-old sister, and his 11-year-old brother were all killed in one of the most gruesome crimes the state had ever seen.
Now, nearly four decades later, Brom could soon be walking free.
Thanks to a new law passed by Minnesota’s Democrat-controlled legislature and signed by Governor Tim Walz, juvenile offenders (even those convicted of violent crimes) can now be eligible for parole after serving part of their sentence.
The law, which took effect immediately, is also retroactive. That means it applies to people like Brom, who was sentenced to three life terms.
Back in 1989, a judge sentenced Brom to spend the rest of his life in prison. He wasn’t supposed to be eligible for parole until he’d served at least 52 years. Because of this new law, he may now get out decades early.
Many Minnesotans – and Americans across the country – are stunned.
HOLY SHLIT. David Brom, who was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his family with an axe, is set to be RELEASED under a Minnesota law passed by the Tim Walz administration.
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, who responded to Brom’s horrific murder scene back in… pic.twitter.com/Zd1gD9ATU5
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 18, 2025
What Changed?
Minnesota is now the 29th state to ban life-without-parole sentences for minors.
Supporters of the change say the goal is to give young offenders a second chance. They argue that teenagers don’t always understand the full weight of their actions and should have the opportunity to change.
The Urban Institute and other progressive groups have pushed these policies nationwide, saying rehabilitation should be the focus, not punishment. They also claim the reforms help reduce racial disparities in the justice system.
Why Conservatives Are Pushing Back
From a conservative point of view, this isn’t about helping kids who made a dumb mistake. It’s about releasing someone who carried out one of the most violent crimes in state history – and letting him out early.
First, there’s the public safety concern. Granted it’s been a long time since the crime, but it’s worth mentioning that Brom didn’t just steal a car or get into a fight. He killed four people – his own family – with an axe. If he’s to be released, we better be damn sure he’s not the same person he was when he went in.
Second, there’s the matter of justice. This wasn’t an accident or a moment of panic. It was cold and calculated. Instead of serving his full sentence, Brom could be out enjoying freedom – an experience his victims will never have again.
Third, there’s a growing frustration with how progressive leaders like Gov. Walz are running the state. Since taking office, Walz has signed off on higher government spending and more lenient crime policies. This new law fits right into that pattern.
Conservatives say the focus should be on protecting law-abiding citizens, not making life easier for criminals.
Critics Say the Law Is “About Second Chances”
Supporters of the law say it’s about hope and rehabilitation. They argue that locking people up forever doesn’t make us safer and that even people who commit terrible crimes as teens can change.
While the law may be well-intended, critics say it opens the door to more early releases of violent offenders, which could make communities less safe.
What Happens Next?
Brom hasn’t been released yet, but he now has a real shot at parole. His case will be reviewed under the new guidelines. If approved, he could walk free decades earlier than anyone ever expected.
No one’s saying young people don’t deserve second chances. But some crimes are so terrible, so beyond forgiveness, that letting the killer out early just doesn’t sit right.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
