He was innocent behind bars: man receives millions for 37 years in prison

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Robert DuBoise, 58, was just 18 years old when he was accused of murdering and raping 19-year-old Barbara Grams in Tampa, Florida, in 1983. He was reportedly convicted based on a bite mark on the cheek of the victim. victim.

DuBoise spent 37 years behind bars until an organization in the US convinced investigators to reopen the case. And the DNA evidence exonerated DuBoise: It led to two men already behind bars for other crimes.

“It was a big mistake”

In 2020, DuBoise was finally released – and he sued the city of Tampa for the injustice done to him, the AP reports. He and his lawyers took special action against the police officers who were investigating at the time and against a forensic expert who had testified that the bite wound on the victim came from DuBoise.

DuBoise has now been awarded $14 million in damages. A member of the city council told the AP: “It was a big mistake. I hope the compensation brings him some comfort.”

“I’m not bitter”

DuBoise himself, who works as a concierge at a country club in the Tampa area, wants to move forward and close the chapter. He wants to buy a house with the money, he tells the news agency. “For me it means it’s finally over. I’m glad I don’t have to chase more years of my life after that.”

He adds, “Money, houses, cars, none of it can ever restore what I lost. But I’m not bitter. I don’t want to waste my time on that.” (neo)

Source: Blick