KJZZ

A man wrongfully accused of murdering an Arizona couple in 1963 says he’s not dwelling on the 37 years he spent in prison. KJZZ’s Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez spoke to Bill Macumber, who was released with help from the Arizona Justice Project back in November.

Bill Macumber (Photo by Arizona Justice Project)

NADINE ARROYO RODRIGUEZ: The state of Arizona agreed to a plea deal for Macumber’s release when it was discovered evidence in his case had been destroyed. Now the 77-year-old former inmate is not looking back.

BILL MACUMBER: Nature is such a wonderful phenomenon and too many people fail to enjoy it like they should. I sit here and look the window for hours at a time.

ARROYO RODRIGUEZ: Since his release Bill Macumber has been catching up with his family, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It’s a far cry from the life he had just 11 weeks ago —when he was behind bars serving a double life sentence.

MACUMBER: There are four things in the world that never change once established, one it truth, another one is a lie, the third is guilt and the fourth is innocence. Once it’s established, those can never, ever change. 

ARROYO RODRIGUEZ: Throughout his incarceration Macumber says he hung on to a little bit of hope that he would be released someday. Now he wants to help other inmates, especially those who have been in prison for decades. 

MACUMBER: They’re all elderly. They’ve all done 30 or more years. They pose no threat to society whatsoever. Why not put them back with their families.

ARROYO RODRIGUEZ: Macumber just received his state ID and can now fly to visit his brother across the country…it will be his first flight in 40 years. His story is the subject of a new book out now called ‘Manifest Injustice.’

Listen to the full interview with Bill Macumber.