Duke wanted to make it through his time without losing himself, and to become a better man for his son. He took every program he could, got into Wesleyan's Center for Prison Education in 2015 and kept honors. In 2018 he joined the Cheshire Lifers group and helped shape the first T.R.U.E. unit for men 18 to 25, then became a mentor himself.

He earned an associate degree from Middlesex Community College and a bachelor's from Wesleyan. A judge cut eight years from his sentence in 2022, then granted his release. After 13 years, he was free.