Arlando “Tray” Jones III.
Born and raised in East Baltimore, Tray’s story is one of tragedy, perseverance, and stolen youth. Before Tray turned two, his father was killed by the police. Soon after, his mother passed away from a drug overdose and Tray took to the streets at age eleven. Searching for survival, Tray was taken in by the neighborhood drug dealer. He was a victim before he was a suspect.
In a trial riddled by prosecutorial misconduct, conflicting evidence, framed witnesses, and prejudicial bias, 16-year-old Tray was given a life sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. Now 52, Tray has spent 36 years incarcerated. In addition to his innocence, Tray is a different man than the 16 year-old-boy who was given a life sentence many decades ago. No life should be defined by an individual’s worst moment, particularly one who has dedicated his time to education and transformation.
The man sitting in prison today is a scholar. He is a mentor. And he is a friend. After 36 years in prison, it’s time to Bring Tray Home.
