Tony Harris, also known as Dyshaun Bright, is currently serving a life sentence for the 2017 murder of Kevin Raymond. But if you were to read his pen pal bio or listen to his podcast interviews, you’d get a very different story. He claims to be “factually innocent,” says he’s been overcharged and misrepresented, and wants the world to know about his nonprofit, poetry, and prison activism.
This episode of Prison Bio Breakdown explores the facts of the case, the contradictions in his statements, and the gap between who he says he is, and what the record actually shows.
Keep Reading or Watch the Full Episode Below
Kevin Raymond’s Murder – Case Overview
Kevin Raymond was 20 years old and a former football star at Somerville High School. At the time of his death, he was playing for Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire and was known for his good nature and athletic talent. On October 14, 2017, Kevin was shot three times and died just days before his 21st birthday.
The shooting took place in a Somerville public housing development around 3:40 a.m. Surveillance footage, a revolver, a gold chain, and blood evidence tied Tony Harris to the crime. Police determined this wasn’t a robbery, Kevin’s belongings were still on him. It was personal.
Although Tony Harris was arrested weeks later, no motive was ever publicly confirmed, and no known relationship between the two men was established. Yet the physical evidence was overwhelming, and a jury found Harris guilty.
A History of Violence: From Prior Convictions to Life in Prison
Tony Harris was arrested for Kevin’s murder on November 3, 2017. But this wasn’t his first serious criminal charge. Back in 2007, Harris had been convicted of armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. These convictions later qualified him as an armed career criminal.
In 2023, Harris was convicted of second-degree murder and, weeks later, under the armed career criminal statute. He received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 25 years. He is currently incarcerated at MCI Norfolk with a projected release date of August 9, 2042, if he’s granted parole.
In 2018, after the murder but before trial, Harris was also sentenced to five years for gun and drug charges, as well as property damage at his ex-girlfriend’s apartment. Police reports indicate he was initially charged with strangulation and domestic violence, though those charges were dropped. An illegal firearm and cocaine were found in his possession at the time.
Tony Harris Prison Bio, Activism, and Factual Innocence Claims
On WriteAPrisoner, Harris describes himself as misunderstood, overcharged, and “factually innocent.” He states:
“I’m not actually innocent, but I am factually innocent.”
It’s a phrase he repeats in interviews. His reasoning? Because he wasn’t convicted on all charges originally brought against him, he believes this supports his claim of factual innocence.
He also claims police and prosecutorial misconduct, though no formal appeal or post-conviction relief appears to be in motion.
In his profile, he promotes BRODI, the BIPOC Rights Organization Dismantling Inequities. There is no 501(c)(3) registration, no EIN, and no verifiable activity. It exists only on paper and in branding.
A poem Harris shared titled “Unspoken Words” references feeling judged but never once mentions Kevin Raymond, the victim. That absence speaks volumes.
YouTube, Ivy League, and Image Management
Before his conviction, Harris created music under the name Dyshaun Bright and attempted to launch a rap collective called IV League. The channel still exists, along with music videos and posts promoting his brand.
Today, from behind bars, he continues curating his image, posting stylized AI art, videos, and commentary through supporters. The narrative he presents is one of injustice and redemption, omitting any mention of Kevin’s life or the weight of his death.
The Discrepancies, the Damage, and the Final Word
Tony Harris wants sympathy. He wants support. He wants his name cleared. But here’s the truth:
Kevin Raymond is gone.
He was 20, loved, and full of potential. And not once is his name included in the story Tony is telling.
There’s no reflection. No remorse. No mention of the life lost, just self-reinvention.
And while anyone can change, that change requires accountability. This narrative doesn’t have any.
Final Thoughts on the Tony Harris Case
Tony Harris calls himself factually innocent and spiritually reformed. But based on court records, evidence, and public statements, what’s “factually” clear is that he hasn’t taken ownership of Kevin Raymond’s death.
Would you write to Tony Harris? Would you buy what he’s selling? Let us know down in the comments.
Follow Prison Bio Breakdown for more episodes like this one, where the bios are sweet, but the crimes are sour.
