Notorious sex offender Peter Braunstein, currently serving 18 years to life at Wende Correctional Facility, has expressed a chilling intent to commit murder if released from prison. In a letter to The New York Post, Braunstein stated, “All I’d do is kill people,” and specifically targeted Democrats and transgender individuals.
Braunstein, once a fashion writer, gained notoriety in 2005 for impersonating a firefighter to gain access to a former colleague's Chelsea apartment. He then held the woman captive and sexually tortured her for over 13 hours, a crime for which he was convicted of kidnapping, sexual abuse, robbery, and burglary. He is also serving a 23-year sentence in Ohio for attacking a psychiatrist while on the run.
His comments come amid discussions in Albany regarding parole reform bills. The Elder Parole bill could allow violent offenders to seek early parole hearings after age 55 and serving 15 years, regardless of sentence severity. A second bill, Fair and Timely Parole, would compel the State Parole Board to release convicts unless they are deemed a current danger to the public.
Braunstein, who is now 62, wrote that he believes such reforms would lead to the release of dangerous individuals. He asserted that prison is where he belongs and where he wishes to remain, stating, “The only way I’m leaving prison is in a body bag.” He claimed to have bonded with his victim during captivity and described the crime as an “act of self definition,” expressing no remorse.
Braunstein had a parole hearing last year but did not attend, leading to its denial. He is scheduled for another hearing next year. Former Parole Board Commissioner and state Sen. Marc Coppola expressed concern that bills like these could result in the release of individuals convicted of heinous crimes, comparing the potential scenario to that of notorious figures like John Lennon's killer Mark David Chapman and serial killer David Berkowitz. Coppola stated that such releases would be disrespectful to victims and their families.
Despite his explicit threats, Braunstein insisted he does not wish to be released, stating his separation from the world he loathes. He also mentioned writing a novel titled “Infinite Wishes” about incestuous relationships while incarcerated.