After years of fighting a wrongful conviction, Tyree Wallace was released from prison Monday following an updated hearing from the judge in Philadelphia.

Article by Ella Doda, Senior Political Correspondent

PHILADELPHIA - Philly native, Tyree Wallace, 46, was able to walk free Monday, November 4, after his life without parole sentence was reduced. After serving 26 years in prison, Wallace’s conviction was vacated by a judge for a lesser sentence that could lead to a 20 to 40-year sentence. In 1997, at just 19 years old, Wallace was convicted of second-degree felony murder for the murder of South Philly deli owner, John Su Kang. In June, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit third-degree murder, which his lawyers considered the next best thing to exoneration. 

Yesterday, Wallace was resentenced to a minimum of 12 years, 4 months, and a maximum of 24 years, 8 months of time already served, according to CBS News. Many of Wallace’s family and friends filled the Center City courthouse to support him and see him take his first steps out of the courthouse as a free man. Family members described the moment as surreal and are grateful for the resentencing of his case.  

Although spending half of his life in prison, Wallace remained hopeful throughout his conviction, maintaining his innocence, and advocating for wrongful convictions and the importance of educating the youth. He has founded two nonprofit organizations while incarcerated, MANN Up! Association, 501(c)(3) a peer support group for incarcerated individuals, and Systemic Reformative Change, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that focuses on restorative programs and freeing wrongly accused individuals. He also founded Men of Action and the Pennsylvania Lifers Association, empowerment groups to advocate for social justice and change. Throughout his time behind bars, Wallace has remained a constant reminder of the importance of hope for other prisoners and his supporters. He has dedicated his life’s work to giving back to the community, despite being treated poorly by the criminal justice system. 

Wallace enjoys spending time with students and sharing his story in hopes that it inspires people to realize change is possible and to keep fighting for what you believe. He frequently visits with Rutgers University via Zoom and students have said that they are inspired by his story and remain hopeful through his work. 

As a free man today, Wallace took to the polls with big plans for his future and the future of the United States. This is the first time he is able to vote on Election Day and he’s voting in one of the seven swing states, Pennsylvania, which can significantly impact the election. As a free man, he has already made his voice heard and voted for Vice President Kamala Harris. Aside from voting in the 2024 Presidential Election, Wallace plans on celebrating with his family and friends. He plans on continuing his nonprofit work to support incarcerated individuals fighting wrongful convictions and educating the world on the importance of giving back.