The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole officially granted McKinley “Mac” Phipps Jr. parole Tuesday.
His specific date of release remains unknown, however he is one long step closer to freedom, according to a news release issued by the committee.
In 2000, McKinley Phipps, Jr, also known as Mac, was a rising rap star signed to Master P’s No Limit Records. While preparing to perform at a local club in St. Tammany Parish, a fight broke out and 19-year-old Barron Victor, Jr. was shot and killed. Despite the lack of evidence linking him to the shooting, McKinley was arrested for the crime and convicted of manslaughter. Since then, witnesses in the case have recanted their statements.
In April of 2016, Huffington Post obtained a copy of a videotaped confession of a security guard at the club who told police he was the one who pulled the trigger. He was not charged.
“Today marks the end of a long fight for justice,” McKinley’s wife, Angelique Phipps said. “Today we are looking towards a brighter future for our family. We are grateful to all of those who have never wavered in their support of Mac’s innocence.”
The three members of the board unanimously voted in favor of Phipps receiving immediate parole.
Click here for a full video of today’s parole hearing.
