Killer of child made eligible for parole

Friday, Dec. 14, 2001 | 10:44 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The state Pardons Board today granted clemency to Brian Hern, who has served 22 years in prison for the beating death of his girlfriend's 3-year-old son in Las Vegas.

The board in a 6-2 vote agreed to reduce the life without possibility of parole sentence for Hern, 45, to allow him to go before the Parole Board.

Hern was convicted by a Clark County jury in the February 1979 beating death of Curtis Fausett.

Gov. Kenny Guinn, the chairman of the Parole Board, told Hern the board's decision does not mean he will go free, but rather that another board will determine whether and when he will be released.

Hern was described by his supporters as a changed man who has participated in a number of prison programs, including anger management.

Hern told the board, "I know the death of a child is unimaginable," but he said he was only 22 at the time and did not have any parenting skills.

"I made a tragic mistake," he said. "I'm not the same man."

He said he has been married 13 years to a woman he has known for 20. If he is free, he said he believes he can help others who have similar problems.