Early release of prisoners has become a popular solution to prison overcrowding over the years. However, cutting criminals’ sentences short can have devastating consequences.

Alabama Shooting

According to WAFF, Brian Lansing Martin, 41, was convicted of fatally shooting his father ten years ago. However, Martin said he shot his father in the chest in self-defense.

He pled guilty to a manslaughter charge and was sentenced to ten years. However, he only spent three years in prison.

Now he is accused of shooting and killing a man on October 1st. He reportedly drove away in the man’s car, leaving the victim in the street. Officers did not know that the man was dead before arriving at the scene.

Car Chase

A witness at the scene took a picture of the vehicle as it drove away. Sheffield officers saw the car and followed it toward a busy Walmart Sergeant Nick Risner used a PIT maneuver to stop the car.

After, the shooter fired upon police officers killing Sgt. Risner and injuring Sheffield Lieutenant Max Dotson. However, Dotson was not injured due to his ballistic vest, according to Sheffield Police Chief Rick Terry.

Sgt. Risner was a U.S. Army veteran and was with the Sheffield Police Department for eight years. He left behind his wife, Brandy, and his 18-year-old, Aili. Chief Terry expressed how upset he was when he found out that Martin was a convicted killer released from prison early. According to Muscle Shoals Police Chief Clint Reck,

“The justice system failed not only Sgt. Nick Risner, but his family and everyone who has been affected by his passing. This incident should have never happened, because a coward who should still be in prison was walking the streets.”

Chief Terry

Outrage For Risner

According to Muscle Shoals Police Chief Clint Reck, Martin could not have a firearm legally. Reck said, “We’re upset, period. This guy had access to a gun, shot somebody in a vehicle, and then shot at multiple police officers.”

Billy Risner, a former Lauderdale County Sheriff, and Sgt. Risner’s brother said he is “extremely angry at the judicial system.”

“This man got sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter and was released within three years. If he would have served his 10-year sentence, my brother would still be alive. My brother would be alive to save someone else. My brother would be alive to help somebody else tomorrow.”

Bill Risner