Testimony has wrapped in the re-sentencing hearing for two brothers who have been in prison for 29 years for the killing of their parents and younger brother.
All week, attorneys for Bryan and David Freeman have presented evidence as to why the brothers should get a reduced sentence with the possibility of release.
The Lehigh District Attorney's office has also provided evidence to try to keep the Freeman brothers behind bars.
Those witnesses include mental health experts, law enforcement officials, members of the Jehovah's Witness faith, correctional officials, friends of the Freemans, and some of their family members.
- The Freeman brothers listened quietly to witness after witness, at times lowering their heads when testimony was graphic, or smiling when a character witness took the stand.
The Freemans' aunt Valerie, who found the bodies of Dennis, Brenda, and 11-year-old Erik Freeman on February 2, 1995, described their rage as teens.
As she spoke, Bryan and David hung their heads and cried. Valerie also wept as she talked about finding Eric in his bed. Valerie is Dennis Freeman's sister.
She testified she used to live with the family until she had an argument with David over the way he was treating Erik. She says afterward, Dennis told her she should move out because he was afraid for her life. Valerie says Erik was also afraid of his older brothers.
She says one hot summer day she came over and found Erik in the garage tied to a chair.
When asked about the possibility of the brothers spending the rest of their lives in jail, Valerie Freeman said, "I don't know how they could do it, so no it doesn't bother me."
Their aunt Sandra Lettich says it took eight years for her to be able to forgive Bryan and David. She says in 2003 Bryan asked the family to help him return to the Jehovah's Witness faith. Lettich says the family started visiting Bryan, helping him with Bible study.
She says during one of many visits, Bryan told her he was sorry for what he did, and he wished he could change it. Lettich says soon afterward she started writing to David.
She says he also expressed deep remorse and a desire for his family's forgiveness. Lettich testified that over the years she has seen a remarkable change in both men.
She says when they were teenagers, she didn't want her kids to hang out with them. But now as adults, if they were ever released, they could come live with her.Lettich's sister Linda Solivan also testified about the Freemans' personal growth and return to faith, saying they deserve redemption.
During cross examination, First Assistant District Attorney Erik Dowdle questioned the Freemans' return to faith, remarking that no one knows scripture better than the devil.
Mental health experts who evaluated the brothers shortly after the crime until just recently were divided on the brothers' rehabilitation.
Psychiatrist John O'Brien testified he evaluated Bryan Freeman several times since the murder.
O'Brien says in 1995, Bryan showed little empathy for his parents and deflected responsibility. O'Brien testified that in a 2018 evaluation he felt Bryan minimized documented threats on his parents' lives and his responsibility in the killings.
O'Brien opined that Bryan regretted the murders because of the negative impact they had on him.
Bryan's attorney Karl Schwartz pushed back against that appraisal, saying Bryan has been on record with several mental health experts taking full responsibility for his actions, saying that if he had not stabbed his mother, the other killings may not have happened.
O'Brien also testified about David Freeman, commenting that during a 2018 evaluation David became angry. O'Brien testified David still harbors a significant amount of anger and that both brothers have neglected to take advantage of individual counseling, instead choosing group therapy.
Psychologist Frank Datillio says when he first met David Freeman, he had a budding anti-social disorder. But then in 2009, Dattilio says David started to change.
"He really started to reflect on his life," said Dattilio. "He didn't want to be a hateful person."
Dattilio says David went from a primitive "block of ice" to someone with introspection. Dattilio said that during one evaluation, David broke down when talking about his parents, saying, "My parents were good people.'"
By 2018, Dattilio says he "was awestruck by the contrast" from 1995.
Psychiatrist Susan Rushing says repeated sexual abuse that went untreated was detrimental to Bryan Freeman's development.
According to records shared in court, in 1992, Brenda Freeman told a rehab counselor the abuse happened when Bryan was 6 years old, and that Dennis Freeman did not want to pursue treatment.
Brenda Freeman also reported Bryan became suicidal at 8 years old and started using alcohol shortly afterward.
The court heard testimony that in the years that followed, Bryan and David were admitted to numerous rehab facilities for substance abuse and violence.
Rushing testified that, shortly before the murders, Bryan was involuntarily committed and was medicated with an anti-psychotic called Navane, used to chemically restrain people who are not schizophrenic.
She says when he was released, he was taken off it and sent back to an environment where he was able to resume taking drugs and alcohol, and hanging around violent influences.
Dr. James Garbarino testified the juvenile mind isn't fully formed until the age of 25. Garbarino suggested juvenile killers should spend at least 20 years in jail, 10 years for their minds to mature and 10 to rehabilitate.
Garbarino said Bryan is an upper echelon candidate for release.
Retired Detective Joseph Vasquez was the lead investigator on the 1995 murder case. He showed the court pictures of the crime scene.
Earlier when the crime scene video was shown, the Freemans chose to leave the courtroom.
As Vasquez went through each picture, describing the grisly details, the Freemans hung their heads and cried.
Vasquez says of the two brothers, David was more truthful and cooperative in the initial investigation. Vasquez says Bryan's story was inconsistent and said of the two brothers, David is likely more deserving of clemency.
But the court also heard from those who believe Bryan has redeemed himself.
Erik Stracco, a prison counselor, described how Bryan helps inmates with special needs.
Prison pastor Aaron Duncan told the court the Bryan he knows has respect for his fellow inmates, and Unit Manager Jill Erin Fisher talked about Bryan's patience and care in a dog training program.
Several members of the Jehovah's Witness faith also spoke on Bryan's behalf.
Martin Francken testified he met Bryan through another member who was ministering to him in prison. Franken says he remembered being horrified when he heard about the murders.
He says it was compounded when he learned the teens were Jehovah Witnesses who turned to Nazism.
"Jehovah's Witnesses were persecuted by the Nazis and put in camps," said Francken.
Francken says he didn't dwell on Bryan's crime, instead choosing to focus on the Bible. He says he has grown to become friends with Bryan, corresponding with him frequently. Francken is hopeful about Bryan being released.
"I hope that it happens for him some day," said Francken. "I would like to see how he would grow and contribute."
Witness William Connelly echoed Francken's words, saying Bryan proved his faith and became the first person to be baptized in his Bible group. Connelly says Bryan has spoken about seeing his family again in heaven.
Toward the end of the week-long hearing there was a technical glitch with the computer system, forcing a brief break. Judge Doug Reichley took the opportunity to come down from the bench and speak individually with David and Bryan.
Reichley asked David about his hobbies in prison, with David replying that he likes to read.
The judge followed up with a question about prison food. David expressed his preference for the food at SCI Mahanoy over the Lehigh County Jail.
Bryan wore a tan suit for most of the hearings. Reichley jokingly asked him if he was going to get it dry cleaned or hand wash it for the re-sentencing hearing next week.
Bryan's answer couldn't be heard by others in the courtroom, but he responded with a laugh and a smile.
Montclaire University did a study of 269 Philadelphia juvenile lifers impacted by the Supreme Court ruling for re-sentencing hearings just like those the Freemans are going through now.
The study says 174 of them were released, with a recidivism rate of roughly 1%.
First Assistant District Attorney Erik Dowdle says even one death due to a release is too much, saying society would be safer if the Freemans remain in prison.
The Freemans will learn their fate Wednesday morning.
Bryan's attorney says Bryan will speak on his behalf. David submitted a letter to the court.
The Freemans are the last of six juvenile lifers in Lehigh County to be re-sentenced.Only one of them was released.'
Scroll down for comments if available
The Freemans' aunt Valerie, who found the bodies of Dennis, Brenda, and 11-year-old Erik Freeman on February 2, 1995, described their rage as teens.
As she spoke, Bryan and David hung their heads and cried. Valerie also wept as she talked about finding Eric in his bed. Valerie is Dennis Freeman's sister.
She testified she used to live with the family until she had an argument with David over the way he was treating Erik. She says afterward, Dennis told her she should move out because he was afraid for her life. Valerie says Erik was also afraid of his older brothers.
She says one hot summer day she came over and found Erik in the garage tied to a chair.
When asked about the possibility of the brothers spending the rest of their lives in jail, Valerie Freeman said, "I don't know how they could do it, so no it doesn't bother me."
Their aunt Sandra Lettich says it took eight years for her to be able to forgive Bryan and David. She says in 2003 Bryan asked the family to help him return to the Jehovah's Witness faith. Lettich says the family started visiting Bryan, helping him with Bible study.
She says during one of many visits, Bryan told her he was sorry for what he did, and he wished he could change it. Lettich says soon afterward she started writing to David.
She says he also expressed deep remorse and a desire for his family's forgiveness. Lettich testified that over the years she has seen a remarkable change in both men.
Lettich's sister Linda Solivan also testified about the Freemans' personal growth and return to faith, saying they deserve redemption.
During cross examination, First Assistant District Attorney Erik Dowdle questioned the Freemans' return to faith, remarking that no one knows scripture better than the devil.
Mental health experts who evaluated the brothers shortly after the crime until just recently were divided on the brothers' rehabilitation.
Psychiatrist John O'Brien testified he evaluated Bryan Freeman several times since the murder.
O'Brien says in 1995, Bryan showed little empathy for his parents and deflected responsibility. O'Brien testified that in a 2018 evaluation he felt Bryan minimized documented threats on his parents' lives and his responsibility in the killings.
O'Brien opined that Bryan regretted the murders because of the negative impact they had on him.
Bryan's attorney Karl Schwartz pushed back against that appraisal, saying Bryan has been on record with several mental health experts taking full responsibility for his actions, saying that if he had not stabbed his mother, the other killings may not have happened.
O'Brien also testified about David Freeman, commenting that during a 2018 evaluation David became angry. O'Brien testified David still harbors a significant amount of anger and that both brothers have neglected to take advantage of individual counseling, instead choosing group therapy.
Psychologist Frank Datillio says when he first met David Freeman, he had a budding anti-social disorder. But then in 2009, Dattilio says David started to change.
"He really started to reflect on his life," said Dattilio. "He didn't want to be a hateful person."
Dattilio says David went from a primitive "block of ice" to someone with introspection. Dattilio said that during one evaluation, David broke down when talking about his parents, saying, "My parents were good people.'"
By 2018, Dattilio says he "was awestruck by the contrast" from 1995.
Psychiatrist Susan Rushing says repeated sexual abuse that went untreated was detrimental to Bryan Freeman's development.
According to records shared in court, in 1992, Brenda Freeman told a rehab counselor the abuse happened when Bryan was 6 years old, and that Dennis Freeman did not want to pursue treatment.
Brenda Freeman also reported Bryan became suicidal at 8 years old and started using alcohol shortly afterward.
The court heard testimony that in the years that followed, Bryan and David were admitted to numerous rehab facilities for substance abuse and violence.
Rushing testified that, shortly before the murders, Bryan was involuntarily committed and was medicated with an anti-psychotic called Navane, used to chemically restrain people who are not schizophrenic.
She says when he was released, he was taken off it and sent back to an environment where he was able to resume taking drugs and alcohol, and hanging around violent influences.
Dr. James Garbarino testified the juvenile mind isn't fully formed until the age of 25. Garbarino suggested juvenile killers should spend at least 20 years in jail, 10 years for their minds to mature and 10 to rehabilitate.
Garbarino said Bryan is an upper echelon candidate for release.
Retired Detective Joseph Vasquez was the lead investigator on the 1995 murder case. He showed the court pictures of the crime scene.
Earlier when the crime scene video was shown, the Freemans chose to leave the courtroom.
As Vasquez went through each picture, describing the grisly details, the Freemans hung their heads and cried.
Vasquez says of the two brothers, David was more truthful and cooperative in the initial investigation. Vasquez says Bryan's story was inconsistent and said of the two brothers, David is likely more deserving of clemency.
But the court also heard from those who believe Bryan has redeemed himself.
Erik Stracco, a prison counselor, described how Bryan helps inmates with special needs.
Prison pastor Aaron Duncan told the court the Bryan he knows has respect for his fellow inmates, and Unit Manager Jill Erin Fisher talked about Bryan's patience and care in a dog training program.
Several members of the Jehovah's Witness faith also spoke on Bryan's behalf.
Martin Francken testified he met Bryan through another member who was ministering to him in prison. Franken says he remembered being horrified when he heard about the murders.
He says it was compounded when he learned the teens were Jehovah Witnesses who turned to Nazism.
"Jehovah's Witnesses were persecuted by the Nazis and put in camps," said Francken.
Francken says he didn't dwell on Bryan's crime, instead choosing to focus on the Bible. He says he has grown to become friends with Bryan, corresponding with him frequently. Francken is hopeful about Bryan being released.
"I hope that it happens for him some day," said Francken. "I would like to see how he would grow and contribute."
Witness William Connelly echoed Francken's words, saying Bryan proved his faith and became the first person to be baptized in his Bible group. Connelly says Bryan has spoken about seeing his family again in heaven.
Toward the end of the week-long hearing there was a technical glitch with the computer system, forcing a brief break. Judge Doug Reichley took the opportunity to come down from the bench and speak individually with David and Bryan.
Reichley asked David about his hobbies in prison, with David replying that he likes to read.
The judge followed up with a question about prison food. David expressed his preference for the food at SCI Mahanoy over the Lehigh County Jail.
Bryan wore a tan suit for most of the hearings. Reichley jokingly asked him if he was going to get it dry cleaned or hand wash it for the re-sentencing hearing next week.
Bryan's answer couldn't be heard by others in the courtroom, but he responded with a laugh and a smile.
Montclaire University did a study of 269 Philadelphia juvenile lifers impacted by the Supreme Court ruling for re-sentencing hearings just like those the Freemans are going through now.
The study says 174 of them were released, with a recidivism rate of roughly 1%.
First Assistant District Attorney Erik Dowdle says even one death due to a release is too much, saying society would be safer if the Freemans remain in prison.
The Freemans will learn their fate Wednesday morning.
Bryan's attorney says Bryan will speak on his behalf. David submitted a letter to the court.
Only one of them was released.'
Scroll down for comments if available
Jaccii Farris
Reporter
Reporter
On Monday, Karl Schwartz, who is representing Bryan Freeman pro bono, said his client is remorseful — expressing “utter and desperate sorrow” over his crimes — and is a model inmate, often acting as a peacemaker among other prisoners.
