The Release of Chauncey Bailey’s Killer: Justice Served or System Failed?

The Release of Chauncey Bailey’s Killer: Justice Served or System Failed?

Published on: June 9, 2025

Source: Mercury News

Nearly 18 Years Later, a Shocking Turn

In a move that has reignited debate across California, the man who admitted to killing Oakland journalist Chauncey Bailey in 2007 has been released from prison. Devaughndre Broussard, now in his mid-30s, walked free after serving approximately 17 and a half years behind bars, despite initially receiving a 25-year sentence under a plea deal.

Bailey, editor-in-chief of the Oakland Post, was assassinated in broad daylight while working on a story investigating the financial collapse and criminal undertakings of the now-defunct Your Black Muslim Bakery. His death marked a dark day for press freedom, and his murder became one of the most high-profile journalist killings in modern U.S. history.

Why Was He Released?

Broussard’s early release stemmed from several sentence reductions. He cooperated with prosecutors, testified against bakery leader Yusuf Bey IV and associate Antoine Mackey, and later served as an inmate firefighter—earning him time off for good behavior and public service.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Broussard met the criteria for parole and was released to a supervised program in Southern California.

The Conspiracy That Shocked a City

The details of the case read like a crime thriller. Broussard admitted to killing Bailey under orders from Bey IV, who wanted to silence the reporter before he could publish an exposé. The Your Black Muslim Bakery, once viewed as a symbol of Black economic self-reliance, was instead exposed as a front for violence and intimidation.

Bey IV and Mackey were convicted in 2011. Broussard’s testimony was pivotal in securing life sentences for both men, but it also secured a lighter sentence for himself—one many feel does not match the severity of his crime.

A Family’s Pain, A Community’s Questions

Bailey’s family was notified shortly before the release. His sister, Lorelei Waqia, stated she was hopeful Broussard had changed, but many observers and community leaders expressed frustration and disbelief.

For advocates of press freedom, the case remains a chilling reminder of the dangers journalists face, especially when uncovering uncomfortable truths about power and corruption.

Legacy of the Chauncey Bailey Project

In the wake of his murder, the Chauncey Bailey Project was launched to continue his investigative work and shed light on the criminal networks that led to his death. The collaborative effort between news outlets and journalists across the Bay Area ensured that Bailey’s mission did not die with him.

Final Thoughts

The release of Devaughndre Broussard reopens a chapter that many in Oakland had tried to close. For some, it’s a testament to rehabilitation and legal procedure. For others, it’s a painful reminder of a justice system that often seems to value deals over consequences.

The question lingers: does early release for a confessed murderer who silenced a journalist set a dangerous precedent, or is it a complex outcome of a legal system designed to reward cooperation?

Only time will tell how the community absorbs this decision—and whether Chauncey Bailey’s legacy will continue to inspire fearless journalism.