37 Years Later, I Finally Got Justice: The Robert DuBoise Story and His Fight for Freedom
Robert DuBoise was just 18 when he was wrongfully convicted of the 1983 rape and murder of a young woman in Tampa, Fla. He was sentenced to death (later commuted to life imprisonment), and he spent 37 years in jail before new DNA technology exonerated him.
This article details his wrongful conviction, mistakes in forensics, emotional release in 2020, and the $14,000,000 compensation he received in 2024. DuBoise’s pursuit highlights the justice system’s shortcomings and offers hope to others struggling to clear their names.
How Bite Mark Evidence Took a Bite Out of Justice
The first known victim was Barbara Grams, 19, who was raped and killed in Tampa in 1983. A bite mark found on her cheek became the crux of the evidence. Police relied on it to arrest Robert DuBoise, 18, who did not have any direct connection to the victim.
A dentist said DuBoise’s teeth synced up with the bite mark. He also contended with a false claim by a jailhouse informant. Both unreliable items of evidence were admitted at trial. Robert DuBoise was sentenced to death in 1985. That sentence was later reduced to life in prison.
For Decades, DuBoise Had Fought for the Truth
Robert DuBoise has always insisted he is innocent. He requested DNA testing in 2006, but officials said evidence had been destroyed. The Innocence Project found preserved slides from the autopsy in 2018.
DuBoise’s DNA, new DNA tests at the time showed, was not present. Experts also revealed that bite mark analysis was unreliable. On Aug. 27, 2020, he walked free after 37 years. In September, his conviction was overturned by a judge, finally exonerating him.
His Post-Prison Life Is Restful, Fulfilling
Upon his release, DuBois struggled to adapt to life in the modern world. He said he was stunned to be free and struggled with things like smartphones. He had moved in with family and then took a job as head of maintenance at Ardea Country Club in Oldsmar.
He purchased a house and dreams of having a family someday. He also wants to help other people who have been wrongfully convicted get justice. His story was an emblem of resilience, hope, and not quitting.
$14 Million Settlement Is Justice — But No Closure
In 2021, DuBoise filed a lawsuit against Tampa, the police, and the dentist who provided the false evidence. The case was settled in January 2024. The city agreed to pay $14 million over three years, as part of a three-year, $40 million commitment over the next 12 years.
Officials said this would only be if no one acknowledged liability, but the payout was supposed to provide comfort. DuBoise had already been paid $1.85 million in previous compensation, which he was required to return under Florida law. So the money won’t bring him back, but “I’m glad it came to an end,” he said.
Real Murderers Are Now Being Brought to Trial via DNA Evidence
DNA tests, meanwhile, matched two other men — Amos Robinson and Abron Scott — to the killing of Barbara Grams. Both are already serving life sentences for another killing. They are now awaiting trial in Barbara’s slaying.
Their arrest demonstrates how critical it is to use modern DNA tools to solve old cases and free innocent people. The case also reminds us why science in the courtroom has to be correct and fair to avoid other wrongful convictions.
Wants to Ensure Others Don’t Face the Same Fate He Did
With millions in settlement, DuBoise is still working for change. But he is also speaking out about failings in the justice system and cautioning about “junk science” still in courtrooms.
He hopes his case will accelerate the fight for justice and spare others a lifetime of struggle. “Money, houses, cars, that won’t bring back what I lost,” he said. He now lives in Tampa, has a job, spends time with his family, and tries to move on.
FAQs
Who is Robert DuBoise?
He is a Florida man who was wrongly convicted of a 1983 murder and served 37 years in prison until he was exonerated in 2020.
How was Robert DuBoise exonerated?
DNA evidence, which was not tested in the 1980s, showed there was no match between DuBoise and the victim, exonerating him of all charges.
How did he end up being wrongfully convicted?
An erroneous bite mark measure offered by an informant in jail also resulted in his conviction.
How much will Robert DuBoise be paid?
In 2024, he settled for $14 million with the City of Tampa.
What is Robert doing now?
He is employed as a maintenance director at a country club and is working to rebuild his life.
Final Words
Robert DuBoise’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the catastrophic impact of flawed evidence and broken systems. His case demonstrates the importance of science-based justice and assistance to the wrongfully incarcerated.
For decades, he fought for his freedom, and with it, he gave hope and a voice to those still stuck in the dark. His isn’t an individual journey—it’s a plea for systemic correction and a reminder that future injustices cannot be allowed to happen.
Table of Contents