equests privacy at this time as they process this development and continue to navigate their grief. To the many well-wishers who continue to say Botham's name, honor his life, and carry his memory forward, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your continued love and support. 

Separately, Lee Merritt, an attorney who previously represented Botham Jean's family, said he was  deeply disappointed  by the decision.

 Botham's family and the community strongly opposed this parole. They stood up again and again to ask that the full sentence be served. A 10-year sentence was already a fraction of what was lost. Releasing Ms. Guyger after seven years makes that loss feel even smaller in the eyes of the system. It is not,  Merritt said in a statement.

In response to a request for comment, the Dallas Police Department said it  understands this decision may bring renewed attention and emotion surrounding the tragic death of Botham Jean. Our thoughts remain with the Jean family and all those impacted by his loss. Parole decisions are made by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and are outside the authority of the Dallas Police Department and we had no role in this decision. 

The Dallas County District Attorney's office declined to comment to CBS News Texas.