The Central Park Five — Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise — were wrongfully convicted in 1990 for the assault and rape of Trisha Meili in Central Park. Their sentences ranged from 5 to 15 years. The timeline below clarifies when each was released, based on documented records of convictions, sentence reductions, pardons, and parole. This status-focused guide answers directly: when did the Central Park Five get released from prison?
Arrests and Initial Sentencing
In 1990, all five teenagers were convicted on multiple counts related to the attack. Sentencing followed shortly after conviction:
| Name | Sentence | Parole Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Antron McCray | 5–15 years | 1993 |
| Kevin Richardson | 5–15 years | 1993 |
| Yusef Salaam | 5–15 years | 1993 |
| Raymond Santana | 5–15 years | 1993 |
| Korey Wise | 5–15 years | 1993 |
Early Release and Time Served
After serving between 6 and 13 years, all five convictions were vacated in 2002 when serial rapist Matias Reyes admitted to the crime and DNA evidence confirmed his involvement. None remained incarcerated after 2002; each was released upon exoneration. In practice, the last to leave custody was Korey Wise, who completed his sentence following the longest incarceration. The 2002 vacatements functioned as de facto release dates for all five, ending their prison status.
Post-Exoneration Record Relief
After exoneration, the city and state formally vacated their convictions, and records were sealed or expunged in stages. The timeline below captures key status milestones:
| Name | Exoneration Date | Conviction Vacated | Record Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antron McCray | 2002 | 2002 | Vacated by court |
| Kevin Richardson | 2002 | 2002 | Vacated by court |
| Yusef Salaam | 2002 | 2002 | Vacated by court |
| Raymond Santana | 2002 | 2002 | Vacated by court |
| Korey Wise | 2002 | 2002 | Vacated by court |
Korey Wise’s Additional Time in Custody
Korey Wise served the longest sentence among the five. After his 1990 conviction, he remained in prison past the others due to parole decisions and transfer between facilities. He was ultimately released in 2002 after Matias Reyes’ confession and the subsequent vacatur of his conviction. No other member of the Central Park Five was incarcerated beyond 2002.
Civil Settlement and Ongoing Legal Status
In 2014, the city of New York settled a federal civil rights lawsuit brought by the five men for $41 million. The settlement did not affect their exoneration status but provided compensation for wrongful imprisonment. All five have completed their official release from prison; legally, they are exonerated individuals with vacated convictions. Their records remain restricted, and they continue to pursue advocacy and address long-term impacts of wrongful incarceration.
Key Release Timeline at a Glance
| Milestone | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest and indictment | 1990 | Formal charges filed; trials begin |
| Initial incarceration | 1990 | Each enters prison after conviction |
| Parole eligibility reached | 1993 | McCray, Richardson, Salaam, Santana, Wise become eligible for parole |
| Exoneration and conviction vacated | 2002 | Matias Reyes admits guilt; DNA matches; records vacated |
| Final release from custody | 2002 | All five released; Korey Wise last to exit prison |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Were any of the Central Park Five still in prison after 2002? No; all were released and exonerated in 2002 when Matias Reyes confessed and DNA evidence confirmed his involvement.
- How long did Korey Wise serve compared to the others? Korey Wise served the longest, remaining in custody longer due to parole and facility transfers, but was released in 2002 alongside the others after exoneration.
- Did they receive immediate release when their sentences were commuted? They were released upon exoneration when convictions were vacated; no commutations were required because the convictions were overturned.
- Is there an official record of their release dates? Official records show convictions vacated in 2002; that year marks their full release from prison status.
- What changed legally after the 2002 vacatements? Convictions were formally vacated, and records were subsequently sealed or expunged, restoring legal standing.
The Central Park Five were released from prison in 2002 upon exoneration and the vacatur of their wrongful convictions. No member remained incarcerated beyond that year. The 2002 releases mark the definitive end of their prison sentences and represent a critical clarification of status for this high-profile case.