Michael Romano

In 2005, John was sentenced under the Three Strikes law for a series of robberies following a traumatic childhood marked by abuse, neglect, homelessness, and drug use. His extreme sentence, which effectively ensured he would die in prison, served as a wake-up call, and John spent the next 17 years trying to redeem himself and make amends for the harm he caused.

Following over twenty years behind bars, Robert Escareno and Rodney Henderson have been granted clemency by Governor Gavin Newsom following good behavior and their dedication to rehabilitation.

After almost two decades behind bars, Darrell Ellis has made good on his promise to address his addiction and work on improving himself. As a result, he has been freed from his 200-years-to-life sentence. And a profile by the Los Angeles Times sheds new light on our policy reform work.

As we all struggled through another terrible year under the pandemic, 2021 was a remarkable time at the Three Strikes Project—thanks to yet another amazing group of students and our terrific staff, who outdid themselves again. Here are some highlights from the past year.

Dye's release comes following a challenge to the state of California's decision to disqualify Three Strikers from the benefits of early parole for individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes.

McGee's release comes after a March 2021 decision by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which interpreted the federal First Step Act in his favor.