Brian Deneke 22 Years After His Murder For Being Different

Brian Deneke Remains In Our Hearts 22 Years Later After Being Murdered By A Jock

Written By: Sid Jones

Brian Deneke (19) was run down and murdered by a drunk jock (17) 22 years ago today. And outcasts still talk about his death. As a matter of fact, his murder continues to fuel the fire of conversation and anger. First thing to remember is the man who did it is still alive. And what was his punishment? 10 years of probation.

With that in mind, its important to point out why there was no justice for Brian Deneke. Because he sported a green mohawk and stood out in the small town that looks down on “freaks” and “hoodlums.” And that kind of hatred still lingers today. Especially in the people that stand against the verdict.

Firstly Dustin Camp (the man who killed Brian) is alive and well. And I’ll be honest, I hate that very much. After all, if the roles were reversed and it was Dustin Camp, a precious child to a rich family killed? Best believe they would send Brian to the electric chair.

And I know that people are probably thinking I’m being harsh and critical. Perhaps some of you are thinking we should just remember the punk rocker every day. As a matter of fact, I do. We all do. However, I think its important to scrutinize and ridicule the justice system. The jury, judge, Dustin Camp and his attorney all need to be looked at as the wrongdoer. But they want you to forget it ever even happened.

 

We’re All Brian Deneke

Before we continue targeting the injustice, let me give you an idea on what how that entire town operates. And how they treat the people that are different. In fact, your town might operate the exact same way. So, keep that in mind as we go further into this. Firstly, Dustin Camp belongs to a rich family, who’s well connected and associated with a lot of people. Second, the community is made up of judgmental individuals that are extremely conservative. And when you mix it all together, you have a trial where a man’s life means very little because of his hair and the music he likes.

Now, we live in a day and age where this hasn’t changed at all. In fact, there’s a lot of ridicule towards punks and outcasts. Hell, my own team gives me shit about my studded vest. And did I put up with it? When I was in school, I was the only kid with a vest and yeah, I got bullied a lot. It wasn’t until 2016 when Restoration of Chaos and Order revealed to me the story of Brian Deneke. And honestly, times haven’t changed at all.

I constantly talk about that album. And that’s because it had the most positive impact on my life. But I’m not going to sit here and lie to you. Yeah, I forgot about what’s most important to me for too long. So, when I made the decision to design a new vest, this back patch became something I wanted more than anything. “And you walk with us to this day and we’re all Brian Deneke!” Is a line from Sunshine Fist Magnet off the Restoration of Chaos and Order album. And the entire song is about him.

If you want to hear it, you’re going to have to purchase the album on Amazon, or listen to it on Spotify.

 

Bomb City

There aren’t many movies that can make my blood boil. In fact, I can two movies that really make me angry when I watch them. And one is Bomb City. Now, don’t get me wrong this is a great film. Even though it’s a straight to DVD and streaming platforms release, the movie is well made. But that’s one of the elements that really makes me react to this film. It’s one thing to read about the story and hear songs and interviews about Brian Deneke. But when you sit down and watch this film, you will see red.

But this movie set out to do one thing and one thing only; Bring attention to the people that defend this heinous murder. Yes, this movie focuses on Brian and his life. But it also brings to light Amarillo’s mentality and the trial that follows. So, I hope you all take the chance to watch this movie. As far as I know, it’s still on Amazon Prime. But in case I’m wrong, make sure you’re checking this movie out on TubiTV.

 

Message To Brian Deneke And His Family

First off, I just want to say that your death is not in vain. And the name Brian Deneke will live on. What happened to you is nothing short of vile and unforgivable. But as I’m told, anger is an energy and believe me I use remind myself of that every single day. I was six years old when you went. But thanks to the punk scene, the music and films about you, I have a pretty good idea of how you’ll always be remembered. A man that didn’t step off the gas, fought for what he believes in and most importantly, the man he will always be.

To the friends and family, I want you all to know that this is a tragic loss. But now, we truly see society for what it is. And we know now that this cannot be tolerated any longer. Let this be a lesson and a glimpse into the so-called justice system. I am truly sorry for having to endure the pain. But remember, a lot of good comes from this man to this very day. Because we are all Brian Deneke.

 

Final Thoughts

As for the rest of you, allow myself to be perfectly clear. Mercy and backing down is not in my nature. Not only am I unforgiving and feed of anger, but I’m also the type to retaliate. And to those that mock and insult me, just know I don’t see you any differently than Dustin Camp, the people in that court room, or the people of Amarillo, Texas. To put it differently, I don’t think much of you.

Society hasn’t changed at all. In fact, I think people see this story and often times laugh, or brush it off. “Yeah, yeah I know blah, blah, blah.” And you’re less than a human being. Because you don’t care. And there’s a few of you that I am talking directly to. I remember those arguments and those debates. But if you pay attention to what I say and do, you’ll understand that I don’t get mad anymore. I simply retaliate.

Finally, there is no excuse for a man to get 10 years probation for homicide. Which spells corruption. And if you watch the Bomb City trailer, it’s an accurate portrayal of what life is like in Texas. And if even a part of you thinks that something like this is acceptable, or you try to justify it, I think you’re the kind of person that empathizes with Dustin Camp. Which, makes you an enemy.