Man, 77, released from prison after serving decades for 1965 murder conviction

A 77-year-old man has been released from prison after receiving a new sentence for a 1965 felony murder conviction, in the wake of a decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals declaring mandatory life without parole sentences for 18-year-old defendants unconstitutional.

Ivory Thomas was convicted in October 1965 at age 18 of first-degree felony murder for fatally stabbing 18-year-old Michael Railsback in Dueweke Park during a robbery. However, in 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court decided that mandatory life without parole sentences for 18-year-old defendants violate the Michigan state constitution’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

Judge Chandra Baker-Robinson resentenced Thomas this week to 40 to 60 years. Thomas was released Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections confirmed. He was serving his sentence at the Thumb Correctional Facility in Lapeer.

“He is no longer under the MDOC’s jurisdiction, as his new maximum sentences had been served once adjusted for applicable credits,” Kyle Kaminski wrote in an email.

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office did not object to Thomas’ resentencing, according to a news release.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office said Thomas has community support and Railsback’s family does not object to his release.

“He is very ill and has accepted full responsibility for his actions. We have examined this case and believe in these facts, as well as Mr. Ivory’s transformation in prison, that the family of Mr. Railsback and I can fully support Mr. Ivory’s release,” Worthy said in a statement.

Thomas served as a mentor to other inmates, according to the release. It did not elaborate on his health condition.

The Detroit News has also reached out to an attorney for Thomas for comment.