Six years after the murder, former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger is now eligible for parole

DALLAS, Texas (KTVT) — The former Dallas police officer convicted of murdering Botham Jean in his home six years ago will be eligible for parole Monday.

Amber Guyger, who shot Jean in September 2018, drew national attention and sparked protests across the city.

“She has caused my family tremendous pain,” said Allison Jean, Botham’s mother. “She should stay where she is.”

Guyger is due for parole on Botham’s 33rd birthday.

“She has to serve the entire 10-year sentence, which is significantly less than the sentence you get for murder,” Jean said. “Murder of an innocent man in the comfort of his home without doing anything wrong.”

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Guyger, a Dallas police officer at the time, told authorities she mistook Botham’s apartment for her own. Her body-worn camera did not record during filming because she was off duty.

Former probation officer and University of Texas Arlington professor Zerita Hall said letters from Botham’s family would be considered at a parole hearing.

“This man was murdered,” Hall said. “He was killed in his own home. So I imagine there would probably be tons of letters of support for her staying in prison.”

Guyger was convicted of murder and sentenced to ten years in prison in 2019. She appealed the conviction but lost her appeal two years ago.

“She will go before the parole board,” Hall said. “There’s a group of people asking her questions about how she’s changed and what she thinks about all these things.”

Hall said Guyger may not appear in person — the board may just be reviewing her paperwork.

“Public concern can definitely be a factor,” Hall said. “Letter of support for the victim, letter of support for the incarcerated person.”

CBS News Texas has reached out to Guyger’s attorneys several times for comment but has not received a response.

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