NewsLocal News

Actions

Cedric Struggs released from prison after more than 40 years

Cedric Struggs released from prison after 40+ years
Cedric Struggs with 23ABC's Brianna Willis
Posted
and last updated

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — After more than 40 years behind bars, 60-year-old Cedric Struggs is now free to walk the streets of Bakersfield.

Struggs was convicted of murder in 1981 for participating in a gas station robbery that ended with a man shot to death. However, Struggs didn't pull the trigger.

After years of legal struggles and changes to California law, he was ordered to be released on Feb 2.

Following his release, Struggs stopped by 23ABC News Studios to talk with 23ABC's Brianna Willis, who had been following this case for months.

"I feel great, and you know, I'm glad to be out," said Struggs. "It's just overwhelming. I'm just trying to cope with everything and it's hard, but this is the feeling that, I don't know, I cried and cried and I don't know, but it's a blessing though."

Struggs also revealed what has shocked him most since his release. He alluded to the homelessness around the city, the development of new technology, and the overwhelming amount of support he has received.

"The shock is homeless people by the highway. People drive into homelessness and this shock of just seeing new technology and trying to learn these phones and stuff like that," explained Struggs. "So, you know, I've been getting major love from a lot of people. So that's been a shock. I thought it would be where I just get out. People wouldn't say nothing, but I went to stores and somebody asked me if I was the guy on TV. It is a blessing."

Struggs was released from prison on Feb 10.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW:

FULL INTERVIEW: Cedric Struggs



,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Thursday

06/12/2025

Clear

-° / 67°

0%

Friday

06/13/2025

Mostly Clear

96° / 66°

0%

Saturday

06/14/2025

Clear

97° / 65°

0%

Sunday

06/15/2025

Clear

99° / 67°

0%

Monday

06/16/2025

Clear

97° / 65°

0%

Tuesday

06/17/2025

Clear

94° / 68°

0%

Wednesday

06/18/2025

Clear

99° / 72°

0%

Thursday

06/19/2025

Clear

101° / 69°

0%