Markham David Bond, a 61-year-old with a history of violent crime, found himself facing a potential life sentence after a jury found him guilty of robbing a Brinks courier at gunpoint. The incident, which took place on August 18, 2023, in a Chase bank parking lot near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), involved Bond confronting the armored vehicle driver, brandishing a handgun, and demanding the cash. Fearing for his life, the Brinks employee complied, surrendering a duffle bag containing $145,000. Bond swiftly fled the scene with the stolen money. This brazen act, however, was not Bond’s first foray into criminal activity. His past was littered with convictions for similar offenses, including bank robbery and firearms violations, dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.
The investigation that followed the 2023 robbery unearthed a wealth of evidence directly linking Bond to the crime. A search of his residence and the getaway vehicle yielded a significant portion of the stolen cash concealed within a mini-refrigerator at his home. Furthermore, law enforcement recovered a .40-caliber pistol loaded with ten rounds of ammunition, along with the shirt Bond wore during the robbery. The discarded Brinks bag was discovered inside the getaway car, solidifying the case against him. This evidence, combined with witness testimony, painted a clear picture of Bond’s guilt, leading to his conviction on charges of interference with commerce by robbery, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
What makes Bond’s case particularly noteworthy is the fact that he had been granted an early release from federal prison in 2022 under a “compassionate release” program. He had previously been sentenced to 46 years and 10 months in prison in January 1995 following a conviction for bank robbery and other firearms-related offenses. Having served only 26 years of his original sentence, his release was intended to offer him a second chance at life. However, Bond squandered this opportunity, choosing instead to return to a life of crime, ultimately leading to his rearrest and subsequent conviction. The circumstances surrounding his compassionate release remain unclear, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The concept of “compassionate release” is a legal mechanism designed to permit the early release of inmates under extraordinary and compelling circumstances. These circumstances can include debilitating health conditions, advanced age, or significant family situations that warrant an individual’s release from incarceration. The United States Sentencing Commission provides guidelines for determining eligibility for compassionate release, ensuring a thorough and considered approach to such requests. However, the specific reasons behind Bond’s release in 2022 were not publicly disclosed, raising questions about the application of these guidelines in his case.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada expressed disappointment in Bond’s recidivism, stating, “After being given a second chance in life, this defendant sadly chose a path of violent crime.” Estrada’s statement reflects the frustration of law enforcement and the justice system when individuals granted early release under compassionate grounds re-offend, particularly in violent and dangerous ways. The case highlights the challenges and complexities of balancing compassion with public safety when considering early release programs. Bond’s actions underscore the inherent risk involved in releasing individuals with a history of violent crime, even under seemingly justifiable circumstances.
Bond’s sentencing hearing, scheduled for July 11, 2025, carries the weight of a potential life sentence in federal prison. This stark reality underscores the severity of his crimes and the consequences of his decision to return to a life of crime after being granted a second chance. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding compassionate release programs and the difficult balance between offering individuals opportunities for rehabilitation and protecting the public from potential harm. The outcome of Bond’s sentencing will likely be closely watched, as it could have implications for future compassionate release decisions and the criteria used to assess the risks and benefits of such programs.
