In a Polk County Circuit Court, Judge James Yancey stated, “Mr. Bain, I am now signing the orders now, sir. You are a free man. Congratulations!” The announcement caused an eruption of applause to break out as Jamie Bain was declared a free man. Wrongly convicted of kidnapping and raping a 9-year-old boy in 1974, Jamie Bain was only 19 years old when he was sentenced to a Florida prison.

Thirty-five years later, DNA evidence proved what Jamie had said all along: he was innocent. Credited with his release are the Innocence Project and a Florida law that allows cases to be reevaluated due to DNA advancements.

After his release, Jamie Bain spoke with media and shared his feelings regarding his release and unjust conviction. When asked how he felt the moment Judge Yancey declared him free, Mr. Bain responded that he felt extremely well. He said the ‘main’ thing he was going to do is quite simply, go home.

When asked if he was angry about the wrongful accusations, he said that he was not angry and said that he knew God had always been on his side.

A 2001, Florida law allowed cases to be reopened and allowed for DNA testing to be reviewed. Jamie Bain did not have legal representation and filed his own motions requesting that his case be reviewed. Four times he filed motions, and four times he was denied. When he attempted to file the motion for the last time, the denial was overturned and the Innocence Project of Florida took his case. They reworked his motion and submitted it. Jamie Bain’s story brings up the question as to how many other innocent people are sitting in Florida prisons, without legal representation or the wherewithal to file motions and have their cases reevaluated according to Florida law.

Jamie Bain has spent more time behind bars before being exonerated than any other person, his case is historic.
The Innocence Project of Florida has stated that they will continue to work with Jamie Bain, especially helping him readjust to society and life as a free man. It has not yet been stated whether or not Jamie Bain will receive compensation from the state.