Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson today issued a statement in response to the decision to approve convicted Rochester ax murderer David Brom for a supervised work release program.

Torgerson was a deputy in 1988 when he and his partner, Deputy Mike Braley, were sent to the Brom residence in northwest Rochester in response to rumors reported to law enforcement by officials at Lourdes High School in Rochester, where Brom was a sophomore. The reported rumor indicated that the then 16-year-old Brom had told a classmate that he had murdered his family.

The sheriff, in his statement, recalled how he and Braley entered the home and discovered the mutilated bodies of 43-year-old Bernard, 42-year-old Paulette, 13-year-old Diane, and 11-year-old Richard Brom. All four had been killed by blows from an ax.

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Sheriff Torgerson also recalled how the trial judge sentenced Brom to three consecutive life sentences but allowed him to serve his prison term for the murder of his sister concurrently, reducing the amount of time he would be required to spend behind bars before becoming eligible for parole. The sheriff also noted that a change in state law two years ago has made Brom eligible for parole more than 15 years earlier than the original date of 2041.

READ MORE: Rochester Axe Murderer David Brom Approved For Work Release

“So with that, Brom is benefiting twice from leniency for mutilating four people.” Sheriff Torgerson went on to say, “Diane and little Ricky could be parents and very productive members of our society today, but were never given a chance due to Mr. Brom’s selfish, immature, 16-year-old actions.”

Torgerson noted that Brom has done well in prison, has come to an understanding of the seriousness of his crimes, has apologized, and is remorseful. The sheriff also stated that he cannot stop what is already in motion and that the public must trust the parole board’s decision and hope Brom is ready for this transition.

Sheriff Torgerson conluded his statement by saying, “It is still hard for me to accept and forget the sights and smells of what I saw that Thursday evening in 1988.”

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