DALLAS, United States (CMC) – Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger, who was convicted of murdering St Lucian-born accountant Botham Jean in his apartment in 2018, has been granted parole by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Guyger was convicted seven years ago on October 1, 2019, and sentenced to 10 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Jean, who was 26.

Jean, who was born in St Lucia and raised in the Caribbean before moving to the United States, was killed inside his Dallas apartment after Guyger, who lived in the same building, mistakenly entered his apartment.

Jean’s mother was from St Lucia, further strengthening the family’s connection to the island.

Guyger told authorities that she had mistakenly parked on the wrong floor of the apartment building, went to what she believed was her own apartment and entered Jean’s home, believing him to be an intruder before shooting him.

She faced a possible sentence ranging from five years to life in prison and was ultimately sentenced to 10 years.

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles said its decision was based, among other factors, on the absence of a documented pattern of violent or assaultive arrests or convictions, Guyger’s satisfactory adjustment while incarcerated and her participation in programmes designed to improve her prospects for stable employment.

The board did not announce a release date.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said there is not yet an official release date for Guyger.

The decision came shortly after Jean’s family marked what would have been his birthday.

In a statement released after the parole decision, the family asked for privacy as it processes the development and continues to grieve.

“Two days ago, the family of Botham Jean lovingly remembered their son and brother and celebrated his life on what would have been his birthday,” the family said.

“To the many well-wishers who continue to say Botham’s name, honour his life, and carry his memory forward, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your continued love and support.”

Attorney Lee Merritt, who represents Jean’s family, said they were “deeply disappointed” by the parole decision.

He said the family and community had opposed parole and had asked that Guyger serve the full sentence.

“A 10-year sentence was already a fraction of what was lost. Releasing Ms Guyger after seven years makes that loss feel even smaller in the eyes of the system. It is not,” Merritt said.

The Dallas Police Department said it understood that the parole decision could bring renewed attention and emotion surrounding Jean’s death.

“Our thoughts remain with the Jean family and all those impacted by his loss,” the department said, adding that parole decisions are made by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and that the police department had no role in the decision.

The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment.

Jean’s family is also pursuing a separate civil case against the City of Dallas.

In March 2026, the family filed a lawsuit seeking nearly US$100 million in damages, alleging that the city failed to address staffing shortages and relied on officers working excessive overtime, contributing to fatigue and stress.

The lawsuit alleges that Guyger had completed nearly a 14-hour shift before the shooting and claims the city “refused to take responsibility” for Jean’s death.

Jean’s killing drew international attention and sparked widespread discussion about policing, accountability and racial justice in the United States.

His family has continued to honour his memory through community and charitable initiatives.