David McClary was born and raised in Queens NY. He was convicted in 1988 of murder in the second degree and was sentenced to 25 years-to-life. He was 22 years old. Despite being eligible for parole for the past 13 years, Dave remains incarcerated. 2026 marks his 38th year behind bars, 5 of which were wrongfully spent in solitary confinement.

David has rehabilitated and educated himself, become a teacher, an artist, and a mentor to many other incarcerated folks. Dave has done the time and continues to be denied parole based solely on the nature of the crime—the one thing he cannot change. His parole should be determined by the criteria that the NY State Parole Board is obligated to consider, not the mistake he made as a 22 year old. He poses no risk to society, as determined by the State assessments on which the Parole Board is required to base its decisions.

Dave has a wonderful loving family waiting for him in Jamaica, Queens— a family that will ensure he successfully transitions back to society. David’s story is an example of the way the NY State Parole Board bends to undue political pressure, denying the release of a 60 year old man despite his remorse, transformation, and potential to be an asset to our NY community. Dave McClary has earned a second chance at life. Let’s bring him home.