David Brom, a man convicted of one of Minnesota’s most notorious murder cases, has been released from prison and placed on a work release program nearly four decades after committing the crime.
Now 53 years old, Brom is leaving behind a life in prison and beginning a new chapter under close supervision. According to the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), Brom left his cell at the Lino Lakes prison and was transferred to a halfway house in the Twin Cities area. As part of the work release program, he will be monitored by GPS and supervised through case management.
Brom was only 16 years old when he killed his entire family in 1988. Using an axe, he murdered his parents and two younger siblings in their home in Rochester, Minnesota. The crime shocked the nation and left the local community devastated. Despite pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, Brom was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to three consecutive life terms.
For many years, Brom was ineligible for any kind of early release due to the severity of his crime. However, a recent change in Minnesota state law has allowed inmates like him—who were juveniles at the time of their offenses—to become eligible for work release or parole consideration. This legal shift recognizes that young offenders may still be capable of rehabilitation after serving lengthy prison terms.
Earlier this year, Brom appeared before the Minnesota Supervised Release Board. During the hearing, he expressed remorse for his actions and said he had been dealing with depression at the time of the murders. His apology was part of the process the board considers when determining whether an inmate is suitable for release into the community.
Typically, individuals released from prison are sent back to the county where they were originally convicted. For Brom, this would have been Olmsted County. However, the board made an exception in his case, ruling that he should not return there. Instead, he will remain in the Twin Cities area for the duration of his work release and any future parole supervision.
Work release is a transitional step between prison and full freedom. It allows inmates to work regular jobs in the community while still living in supervised housing. This arrangement is designed to help former prisoners adjust to life outside prison walls while still being closely monitored.
Brom’s work release does not mean he is fully free. He will remain under supervision, and his behavior will be closely watched. Any violation of the program’s rules could result in his return to prison.
His case remains under the authority of the Supervised Release Board, which will continue to review his status. His next scheduled appearance before the board is set for January 2026. At that time, they will assess his progress and decide whether he may qualify for further steps toward reintegration or parole.
David Brom’s story continues to stir strong feelings, especially among those who remember the tragedy of 1988. While his release marks a legal and personal milestone, it also reopens painful memories for the community he left behind.
As he begins this new chapter under supervision, the state will continue to balance public safety, justice, and the possibility of rehabilitation.
