Brothers imprisoned over two decades for murder released on bond

After 25 years of waiting, a family's dream has finally come true.

"It was like a wave of love.  A love wave," said Ray Highers.

Did his brother, Tom Highers, ever believe this day was going to come?

"In my heart of hearts I knew this day would come."

Ray and Tom Highers were released from prison Monday after spending 25 years behind bars for a murder they say they never committed.  They were convicted of murdering 65-year-old Robert Karey, a suspected marijuana dealer.

Their family never doubted them for a second, but that was not enough to earn them a new trial, so for 25 years they waited.

"I've got nieces out here I've never even was able to touch.  It's just unbelievable," Tom Highers said.

Everything changed in 2009 when a Washington D.C. attorney saw a post on Facebook, and that one post led to new witnesses coming forward.  They say the Highers brothers did not commit this murder.  The evidence was enough to convince Judge Lawrence Talon to grant them a new trial and second chance at freedom.

"It's like hitting the lottery," Ray Highers said.

What's the first thing he wants to do?

"I want to go visit my mom's grave and say my good-byes because I never got to do that."

Their fight is not over.  The Wayne County prosecutor is expected to appeal, but the Highers and their attorneys believe these new witnesses will help them win the case and clear their names and move on with their lives.

"We're looking forward to our day in court, and I think we're going to be all right," said Tom Highers.

"We're going to work hard, and we're not going to let anybody down.  We're going to be productive citizens, and we're going to make everybody proud," Ray Highes said.

The Highers are staying with family in Roseville.