A man was released from prison Wednesday after serving 22 years in a state penitentiary for a 1999 double shooting he says he did not commit. 

Andre Brown was not eligible for parole until 2033, but new testimony that was not presented during the previous trial allowed his lawyer to provide evidence that Brown was not the gunman running from the scene.  

This is the first holiday season the 46-year-old will be spending Christmas in person with his loved ones.   

Brown is thankful for his family and supporters who never gave up hope for his release.  

Brown says despite the difficulty of the past two decades, his focus is rebuilding his life and not letting the past affect his future.  

A judge released Brown on his own recognizance. As part of the agreement, he must report twice a month to the courts.