Brandt Jean, Brother Of Botham, Receives Award For Actions During Amber Guyger Murder Trial
PLANO, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - It was a moment of compassion seen around the world and now Brandt Jean has been honored for his act of forgiveness.
The Institute for Law Enforcement Administration presented the brother of Botham Jean Tuesday morning with its Ethical Courage award for his actions during the Amber Guyger murder trial. It's an honor normally reserved for first responders and law enforcement professionals.
After receiving the award, Brandt Jean talked about still wanting change for the Dallas Police Department after his brother was murdered in his apartment in September 2018 by the former officer after she claimed she thought it was her unit.
"I don't want police officers to continue doing this. As you can see, it's not healthy, especially for the black community, black males specifically. We don't want this to happen again. We want the training to be applied 24/7 because we citizens put our trust in those officers every day," Brandt Jean said.
The award was given to him in front of law enforcement officials and his mother, father and sister in Plano.
"I ask you to remember my brother, my example of ethical leadership. A young, black male that was perceived as a threat by one of your own. And when you remember him, I want you to ask yourself, 'what are you doing to ensure no other families like mine,'" Brandt Jean said.
During the sentencing phase of the trial in Dallas, the 18-year-old told Guyger he forgave her for murdering his brother and then asked the judge's permission to step down from the stand and hug her. A jury sentenced her to 10 years in prison.
Brandt Jean's actions brought the courtroom to tears. Many called his gesture an act of humanity that helped the greater community's healing process in a highly publicized case.