In a surprising turn of events, Brandon Council, who was spared from death row by President Joe Biden on Monday, is now asking for early release from prison. Instead of facing execution, Council will serve life in federal prison without parole after his federal death sentence was commuted along with 36 others.
Council was originally sentenced to death for his involvement in a 2017 robbery at CresCom Bank, which led to the tragic deaths of Donna Major and Katie Skeen. Despite his life sentence, Council is now filing a motion for compassionate release, asking to be freed earlier due to what he describes as “extraordinary or compelling circumstances.”
His request highlights his experience at Terre Haute, a prison Council claims is one of the worst in the world. He spent years in solitary confinement, something he says was psychologically damaging. According to his motion, his treatment violated international human rights standards, including the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
Council’s appeal follows multiple failed attempts to be removed from solitary confinement, with all of his requests denied. His story now takes a new turn as he seeks a chance at early release based on his harsh conditions behind bars.
As this legal battle continues, we’ll keep you updated on any new developments.
