The family of Donna Major, a South Carolina bank teller murdered during a 2017 robbery, expressed profound anger and disappointment over President Biden's decision to commute her killer's death sentence shortly before Christmas. The unexpected news has left the family reeling during the holiday season, struggling to comprehend the mercy shown to the convicted criminal, Brandon Council, a mercy he denied their loved one.

Speaking on "Fox & Friends," Major's daughter, Heather Turner, voiced her frustration, stating, "I was, and still am, incredibly angry and upset. It's unbelievable that one person can make such a decision without consulting the victims or considering the immense pain we've endured." Major's husband, Danny Jenkins, added, "Donna was shown no mercy. This man walked in, shot her three times, and then proceeded to kill her coworker, Katie Skeen, who was completely unsuspecting." He expressed disbelief that such a commutation could occur.

Council's actions, captured on surveillance video, show him briefly speaking to Major before shooting her multiple times and then killing Skeen. He was among 37 federal death row inmates whose sentences were commuted to life in prison by President Biden. In a statement, President Biden explained his decision, referencing his moral convictions and experience in the justice system, and stating his belief that the federal government should not utilize the death penalty.

While some, like Rep. Ayanna Pressley, applauded the decision, citing the death penalty's lack of effectiveness as a deterrent, Major's daughter Katie Jenkins strongly disagreed, stating, "That's not compassion. He didn't speak to any of us, the victims. We trusted the legal process, endured the trial, and witnessed the horrific details of my mother's murder. He has compassion for a criminal, not for us."

Turner revealed the family's attempts to communicate with authorities, including writing letters requesting a meeting in Washington D.C., which were denied. She expressed their frustration at being denied the opportunity to share their story and be heard. The only federal death row inmates excluded from Biden's commutations were those involved in high-profile terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder cases.