MARYLAND (WBFF) — The Second Look Act, which allows people convicted of violent crimes, including murder, to seek release after serving at least 20 years, has come under scrutiny following a tragic incident.
Shannon Albertson, whose daughter Brianna Mae Weisharr was murdered on Nov. 18, is challenging the law after one of her daughter’s accused killers, Darnell Hawkins, was released from prison.
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Albertson criticized lawmakers and Gov. Wes Moore for supporting the act, saying, “Reading through that, I can’t even believe that it was passed.”
Currently, a person can petition a “second look” if they’ve served 20 years of their sentence, were between 18- and 24-years-old at the time of the offense and were not convicted of killing a first responder. However, there is no provision to exclude repeat violent offenders.
Albertson plans to introduce “Bri’s Law” in Annapolis, aiming to amend the act to exclude repeat violent offenders.
Hawkins and another man, Maurice Mouzon, who is also charged in connection to the triple murder that took Brianna’s life, are both repeat violent offenders.
Albertson, with support from Sen. Michael McKay, who represents Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, hopes to prevent similar tragedies.
“I will save some other family, some other mother, some other siblings, to not have to go through this,” she said.
Response:
The Democrats that run Annapolis have fought harder for criminals and illegal immigration, than they have for victims of crimes and law abiding citizens.
With passing police reform bills, Sanctuary State Bills, and the “2nd Look” act.
These laws have “Empowered” criminals in the State that have had a terrible impact on public safety.
Mr Hawkins helped murder an innocent woman, and was also a “Repeat Violent Offender”
Since 2023 there have been some “Course Corrections” on public safety in the State and those efforts have actually worked in reducing crime in the State, actually getting “tough on crime”….What doesn’t work is “Soft On Crime” policies which have led to crime increasing.
That is why we should all support “Bri’s Law”For the 2026 Maryland Legislative Session!….