Nine years ago, Lydell Grant's life flipped upside down when he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 28-year-old Aaron Scheerhoorn in Montrose, Texas. Despite the grim circumstances, Grant maintained his innocence and hoped that one day he would one day receive justice in court. Thankfully, that day has finally come.
Seven years after Grant was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, new DNA evidence emerged that proved his innocence. Using this new evidence, Grant appealed the court's decision and was freed on bond as he awaited a final decision from the court. More than a year later, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals declared that Grant was "actually innocent" in the murder of Aaron Scheerhoorn. Now, the murder investigation has turned toward a new suspect and Grant is free to move on with his life after enduring this horrific ordeal.
"Being locked up, if I didn't learn anything else, I learned how to have patience," Grant told ABC 13 in Houston.
"Whatever the judicial system is trying to do, whatever they have in mind to do, it's not going to work if it's not the right thing."
Harris County officials have tracked down 42-year-old Jemarico Carter, who they believe is the man that killed Scheerhoorn. Meanwhile, Grant is eligible for financial compensation from the state of Texas. He can receive up to $80,000 for each year of his wrongful imprisonment.
"The exoneration of innocent individuals is as important as the conviction of guilty ones," Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said.
"The highest responsibility of a prosecutor is to see that justice is done."
Photo Credit: Getty Images