John Edward Smith , a former Los Angeles gang member who has served 19 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, has been finally set free.

When asked what he was going to do next, Smith replied: ”I’m gonna go home and hug my grandmother.”

Smith was convicted of killing a man during a 1993 drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. Another man survived and was the single witness to the alleged crime. Two years ago, he recanted the testimony that led to Smith’s 1994 conviction for first-degree murder and attempted murder.

The 37-year-old was scheduled to be released on Friday, but the judge was out due to illness. Still, Smith was all smiles on Monday as the judge released him after nearly two decades behind bars: “Mr. Smith, you are now free.”

Watch the video below:

Photo/Video Credit: NBC Los Angeles

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