Under pressure to make a conviction, prosecutors built a false story about what happened one night in 1997 when Young Su Kang, a well-loved and respected Philadelphia shop owner, was robbed and murdered. Though Tyree had no involvement in the crime, the prosecution’s story implicated him, and the jury was convinced - Tyree Wallace was found guilty and sentenced to life without parole.
Tyree’s Story
In October 1997, Young Su Kang, a well-liked corner store owner in Philadelphia, was robbed and murdered. Tyree was found guilty of second degree murder.
The state of Pennsylvania adheres to the “Felony Murder” rule, stating that if a homicide happens during commission of any felony, meaning that someone is killed in the process of a robbery for example, everyone involved in that original felony will receive a murder charge. Even though Tyree was not specifically convicted of committing the act of homicide, he was sentenced to life without parole due to Felony Murder rule and what it mandates. Essentially, the law doesn’t care who “pulled the trigger,” moreover it cares that someone lost his/her life and therefore anyone who was present during that act must be sentenced as if he/she caused that fatality. One of the major problems with this rule is the lack of equity. For example, someone who was the getaway driver or lookout person for a robbery during a crime receives the same time as someone who has, for example, murdered multiple people or has committed premeditated heinous acts. This is an example of miscarriage of justice at its core.
The night of the crime, Tyree was at a neighborhood house where people often gathered to play cards and hang out. Several alibis from that house confirmed his whereabouts on the night of the crime. Unfortunately, after being questioned by police, these alibis were discredited due to their low socioeconomic status, lack of education, and perceived questionable character. The police simply did not believe these individuals and subsequently threw out their testimonies.
Additionally, four state witnesses were, at that time, facing criminal charges and received deals for signing the police theory of the crime implicating Tyree. One of these witnesses received a 5-10 year sentence for admitting some involvement and signing the police statement; Tyree ultimately received life without parole.
It is worth noting that there was zero physical evidence whatsoever to support Tyree’s conviction. The state’s entire case was built upon witness testimonies, which had been coerced and twisted to align with the prosecutor’s theory.
The witness who admitted some involvement in the crime initially stated to the police that another individual had committed the crime. This was disproved, as that person was incarcerated at the time the crime took place. Once that was disproved, the witness brought up Tyree’s name which was purely coincidental considering they’d only met once, just before all of this. Because the DA needed a conviction, they latched onto this theory, then built it around convicting Tyree, along with two others. Tyree received the most time because he wouldn’t take a deal, due to his innocence. He instead chose to go to trial by jury, and ultimately lost.
Homicide detectives threatened the individuals they interviewed, either with long sentences for crimes that were pending, or with additional charges for not corroborating the police theory that Tyree was present at the crime.
Of importance to note, around the time of this crime there was evidenced rampant police corruption and misconduct in the city of Philadelphia. For further information and a detailed example of this, please click on the link below:
NY Times article - Philadelphia Shaken by Criminal Police Officers
Since Tyree was sentenced, the person who committed the crime has confessed his involvement, and everyone who implicated Tyree has since recanted, yet Tyree remains in prison.
In official court records, the trial court’s sheriff and bailiff, Mr. Hamilton, stated that the prosecution’s main witness approached him separately, admitting to him that he’d lied about Tyree’s involvement while on the stand following pressure from the police. Additionally, Mr. Hamilton testified to this while under oath during the trial.
While in prison, Tyree raised funds to hire a forensic polygraph expert and voluntarily underwent this exam. He passed the polygraph test with flying colors. He is currently working with the Innocence Project to strengthen his prospects of eventual freedom. Within the last year, an Innocence Project investigator located several witnesses and an eyewitness who have confirmed Tyree’s innocence. They have all been interviewed and signed affidavits attesting to this fact.
Tyree hopes to soon present his case before a review unit, which has the ability to review the case of a prisoner with a legitimate claim of innocence, to determine if that person is indeed innocent. They can exonerate, offer a deal or deny the person.
Tyree’s Contributions to the Community
Tyree acts as a leader within the prison. Numerous prisoners look up to him and seek him out for guidance and advice. He worked tirelessly to create a chapter of the the Pennsylvania Lifer’s Association (PLA) within the prison where he’s serving his time; Smithfield. Following the launching of this organization, he served as president and initiated facilitation of multiple fundraisers and positive programming for prisoners. The funds were raised via the PLA both under Tyree’s watch as President as well as when he was a board member of the organization. Under the rule of the Department of Corrections, prisoners are allowed to have periodic sales with the contingency that all proceeds must be donated except what is required to run the organization, which is minimal. Some examples of the donations of time and monies are listed below:
Donations:
- Boys and Girls Club of Huntingdon: thousands of dollars over years of time
- Huntingdon County Child and Adult Development Corporation: $1000 to purchase hats and gloves for low-income families
- Huntingdon House (a women’s shelter): $1000
- Red Cross, United Way
Additional Contributions:
- Mentored 10 young men from Trough Creek Youth Forestry Camp, a local camp for troubled youth
- Helped start a youth awareness group which provides positive outlets and new ways of thought for young men at State Correctional Institution at Smithfield, PA.
- Earned his GED, Business Occupation, and Fundamental of Insurance Certificate
Please learn about Bill 2135 (Parole for Lifers) and contact your local legislators.
Contact Tyree
Tyree would be happy to hear from you. Write him at:
Tyree Wallace EC-0895
SCI SMI
P.O. Box 999
1120 Pike St.
Huntingdon, PA 16652
