We just received word that Brian L. Nelson, who ran down and killed Summerville Police Officer William Bell and Berkeley Sheriff's Deputy Marion Wright in 2002 will be released from prison very soon. According to the SCDC site Nelson is expected to max out his sentence in February of 2014. We have been told the families of the officers have been notified of his impending release.
The officers were helping a stranded motorist change a tire. At the time he ran down the officers Nelson was driving while his license was revoked and was under the influence of prescription narcotics. He veered off the road and struck the disabled vehicle and both police cruisers, instantly killing the officers. Nelson then fled the scene, but was pursued by a citizen who nabbed him and held him for police.
Nelson pled guilty to two counts of Reckless Homicide in April of 2003 and was sentenced to two ten year terms. Unfortunately, the judge failed to set those sentences to run consecutively. Even though he plead guilty, Nelson apparently never took full responsibility for his actions as he filed a request for post conviction relief in 2004.
As part of our stats on continuing education in the prison system we will note Nelson did participate. Well, until he was kicked out for unsatisfactory performance. He gave it up after that.
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Update: We have been advised the sentences WERE consecutive. Guess we need a primer on sentencing. We were told since Reckless Homicide isn't considered a violent crime Nelson only has to serve 65% of the 20 years, versus the 85% we are accustomed to seeing. Because it was a "straight time" sentence Nelson got a substantial amount of good time credits for working in various capacities while incarcerated.
Isn't it great the whole system seems to be designed to release criminals sooner??
The officers were helping a stranded motorist change a tire. At the time he ran down the officers Nelson was driving while his license was revoked and was under the influence of prescription narcotics. He veered off the road and struck the disabled vehicle and both police cruisers, instantly killing the officers. Nelson then fled the scene, but was pursued by a citizen who nabbed him and held him for police.
Nelson pled guilty to two counts of Reckless Homicide in April of 2003 and was sentenced to two ten year terms. Unfortunately, the judge failed to set those sentences to run consecutively. Even though he plead guilty, Nelson apparently never took full responsibility for his actions as he filed a request for post conviction relief in 2004.
As part of our stats on continuing education in the prison system we will note Nelson did participate. Well, until he was kicked out for unsatisfactory performance. He gave it up after that.
Update: We have been advised the sentences WERE consecutive. Guess we need a primer on sentencing. We were told since Reckless Homicide isn't considered a violent crime Nelson only has to serve 65% of the 20 years, versus the 85% we are accustomed to seeing. Because it was a "straight time" sentence Nelson got a substantial amount of good time credits for working in various capacities while incarcerated.
Isn't it great the whole system seems to be designed to release criminals sooner??