Originally published April 16, 2021. Statements about the law were updated in October 2026; the box below gives today’s rules.
Outcomes vary. A past result does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other case.
United States v. London
United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division
2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 70244
A federal judge in Nashville granted compassionate release to Terrence Devol London II after his wife died, so he could care for their young daughter. The death of a spouse led to compassionate release for a caregiver.
Mr. London’s sentence and record in prison
Mr. London pled guilty and was sentenced to 72 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His offense was serious. But he showed a strong commitment to change, as shown by the good time credits he earned in prison.
He had no disciplinary violations. He also continued his education, finishing dozens of hours of coursework on topics from women’s rights to time management.
Why the court granted release
Mr. London’s wife died on December 20, 2019. He asked for a reduced sentence so he could take custody of his minor daughter. She was being cared for by his aunt, but the family agreed it would be best for the child to be raised by her remaining parent.
Courts have paid attention to cases where care by other relatives is not in a child’s best interest. The court found that was true here.
Mr. London was set to move to a residential program in August 2021. His original release date was less than a year away, in March 2022. Weighing that and all the other factors, including his wife’s death, the court granted his request for compassionate release.
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