One of the killers in the Kirtland cult slaying was released from prison today.
Richard E. Brand served 16 years of his 15-to-life sentence. He was sentenced in 1994 for helping now-executed cult leader Jeffrey D. Lundgren and followers kill Dennis and Cheryl Avery and their three school-age daughters in a barn on April 17, 1989. Brand helped bind and gag the Averys, who were thrown into a pit and shot.
After his arrest, Brand cooperated with former Lake County Prosecutor Steven C. LaTourette. He confessed and testified against Lundgren; Lundgren's wife, Alice; and all the other followers who killed the Averys. Brand offered the only eyewitness testimony of that day.
LaTourette, who is now a congressman, had said that Lundgren and his son's convictions might have been impossible without Brand.
Brand had been denied parole three times earlier. He was paroled this time after victims did not protest his release.
Before his conviction, Brand worked as a civil engineer. He moved into the Lundgrens' home and had Lundgren drive him to work.
When Brand was sentenced, he gave a tearful plea for mercy.
"I'm angry with the loss of life, the lies, the deceptions, the scheming, the adultery, the very nature of the events that occurred," Brand said. "And all that can stop, but the destruction of life still continues with no end. Jeff Lundgren continues to win."
Then Lake County Common Pleas Judge James W. Jackson seemed moved by Brand's comments.
"I believe that you will, when you do serve your time, become a useful member of society," the judge told Brand before sentencing him.
