ST. FRANCISVILLE - The last of the "Angola Three" inmates still behind bars has been released after more than four decades in prison.

Albert Woodfox was released Friday after pleading no contest to manslaughter and aggravated burglary in the 1972 death of a prison guard.

Woodfox and two other men became known as the "Angola Three" for their decades-long stays in isolation at the Louisiana Penitentiary at Angola and other state prisons.

Prison officials said they were kept in solitary because their Black Panther Party activism would otherwise rile up inmates.

Woodfox consistently maintained his innocence in the killing of guard Brent Miller. He was awaiting a third trial in the case when he was released from custody. Woodfox turned 69 on Friday.

BREAKING: Albert Woodfox is out of prison after 40+ years of solitary confinement @WBRZ pic.twitter.com/JiB9FaoqLD

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