COLUMBUS, Ohio — Daryl Lawrence was sentenced to death for the murder of Columbus Police Officer Bryan Hurst in federal court in 2006, which was later upheld by the appellate court, according to our media partner WBNS-10 TV.
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Nearly two decades later, President Joe Biden decided to commute Lawrence’s sentence to life in prison.
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WBNS-10′s Kevin Landers reports that Biden’s decision has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the Hurst family.
On Jan. 6, 2005, Hurst was working special duty at Fifth Third Bank on East Broad Street when Lawrence walked in with a gun.
Lawrence killed the 33-year-old officer during an exchange of gunfire.
“I can not speak strong enough how absolutely devastating this is to think that someone could take the legal system and just say basically it doesn’t matter,” Hurst’s stepfather Ted Kaczorowski told WBNS-10.
Biden’s actions were part of a move to commute the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates.
“I was one of the few Republicans who understood when he pardons his own son, and him being a parent, but shocked he would be willing to forgive someone who murdered my son,” Carolyn Kaczorowski said.
Hurst left behind a wife and a 6-month-old daughter at the time of his death.
Marris Gibson, the widow of Hurst, released a statement expressing her disappointment.
“My daughter and I are disappointed in the President’s decision, not only to commute Lawrence’s sentence but also many of the other inmates who committed unspeakable crimes, including the murder of children. It undermines the entire justice system, as Lawrence was convicted and sentenced by a jury. There was never a question of guilt,” Gibson said.
Not everyone close to the case shares the same view as Hurst’s family.
Donnie Oliverio, Hurst’s partner, told the Washington Post that he supports Biden’s decision.
“Putting to death the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace,” Oliverio said.
Hurst’s family wants him to be remembered for his service and character.
“With all the bad press about the police, I want people to know that Brian was one of the good ones. He was credited with saving countless lives in the bank,” his mother said.
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