Knoxville Man Seeks Early Release Based on State Supreme Court Decision - Articles

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Knoxville Man Seeks Early Release Based on State Supreme Court Decision

Posted by: Azya Thornton on May 5, 2025

A Knoxville man sentenced to life in prison at age 16 is asking a criminal court judge for early release, arguing he was sentenced under a now-overturned law. In 2022, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life sentences for minors constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” and violate the 8th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Almeer Nance, now 46, was tried and sentenced as an adult for a 1996 homicide though he did not pull the trigger. His attorneys are asking the judge to consolidate his sentences into a single term, which would make him eligible for parole. They also contend that Nance’s positive record while incarcerated and the evolving legal standards should weigh in his favor. Assistant Knox County District Attorney TaKisha Fitzgerald opposes the effort, arguing that Nance should continue serving his sentence. Nance will have to wait until July for Sanchez’s decision, Knox News reports. The judge said he needs more time to review the arguments before issuing a decision.