The family of Edan Brown, who was murdered in May 2010, has demonstrated an extraordinary act of empathy towards his killer, Anthony Jones, following his release on parole in 2025. After serving 14 years, Jones, who had expressed remorse and completed a Bachelor of Ministry while incarcerated, was granted parole, a development the Brown family met with understanding and hope for his future.
Jessica Brown, Edan’s sister, recounted the initial shock of learning of her brother's death. The stabbing occurred in May 2010, and Anthony Jones, a friend of Edan's, was the suspect. The family faced a protracted legal process, including an initial trial that resulted in a hung jury, necessitating a second trial. Brown recalled the agonizing wait and the difficult decision her parents made to pursue a murder conviction rather than a lesser charge.
"They were pulled aside and told, he could get away with murder or we could go for manslaughter. And my mom just went, ‘Heck no, we’re going to go for murder,’ even with the risk that he might get off," Brown said, describing the immense pressure the family endured.
When Jones unexpectedly pleaded guilty in the subsequent trial, the family felt a sense of closure. "Nothing was going to bring my brother back, but [we were] relieved that we had an ending," Brown stated.
The family's response to Jones' parole in 2025, however, set their story apart. Informed of Jones' reform, including his educational achievements and remorse, the Browns attended his bail hearing. Jessica Brown stated that the family had "no qualms with him getting out" as long as he continued on a reformed path.
Gary Jubelin, host of the "I Catch Killers" podcast, facilitated communication between Jones and the Brown family. He noted Jessica Brown's generosity in discussing her feelings about Jones potentially turning his life around. "We’re really grateful that he has turned his life around, there are a lot of families who don’t have that," Brown replied. "Whilst we’ve been very unlucky by losing my brother, we’ve been lucky in the sense that [Jones] has made something of himself and he has a plan to give back to the community and to turn his life into purpose now rather than just being an angry man."