Robert Duboise Wikipedia, Florida, Tempa, Compensation, Innocence Project

Robert Duboise Wikipedia, Florida, Tempa, Compensation, Innocence Project:- Robert DuBoise, a Florida man, spent nearly 40 years in prison for a rape and murder he did not commit. In 2020, he was exonerated and recently received a $14 million settlement from the city of Tampa. His case underscores the severe impact of wrongful convictions and the crucial role of DNA evidence in rectifying such injustices.

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Robert Duboise Bio

Name	Robert DuBoise
Age at Conviction	18
Conviction Date	1985
Crime	Capital Murder and Attempted Sexual Battery
Sentence	Death, commuted to Life
Jurisdiction	13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County, Florida

Robert Duboise Early Life and Wrongful Conviction

In August 1983, 19-year-old Barbara Grams was sexually assaulted and murdered while walking home from her job at a Tampa restaurant. A bite mark on her body led investigators to collect samples from various men, including DuBoise, who was 18 at the time. Despite having no connection to the victim, DuBoise was sentenced to death in 1985 based on flawed forensic evidence and false testimony from a jailhouse informant.

Robert Duboise Life Imprisonment and Exoneration

DuBoise’s sentence was later reduced to life imprisonment. In 2020, DNA testing, which was unavailable during the original investigation, implicated two other men, Amos Robinson and Abron Scott, in Grams’ murder. Consequently, DuBoise was exonerated and released from prison.

Robert Duboise Legal Battle and Settlement

With assistance from the Innocence Project, DuBoise sued the city of Tampa, police investigators, and the forensic dentist who linked him to the crime. The lawsuit claimed that the officers and dentist conspired to present fabricated evidence against him.

On February 15, 2024, the Tampa City Council unanimously approved a $14 million settlement for DuBoise, recognizing the grave injustice he endured. This settlement resolved DuBoise’s 2021 lawsuit and provided compensation for the 37 years he was wrongfully imprisoned.

“This was a big wrong,” said Tampa City Council member Luis Viera. “I hope and pray this settlement will give him some measure of comfort.”

Robert Duboise Reflections and Advocacy

DuBoise, now 59, expressed his gratitude for the settlement but stressed that no amount of money could restore what he lost. “Money, houses, cars, none of that stuff can ever restore what I lost,” he said. “I don’t feel bitter about anything. I don’t want to waste my time with bitterness and pity parties.”

Importance of DNA Evidence and the Innocence Project

The settlement marks a significant step in acknowledging the harm caused by wrongful convictions and the need for reforms to prevent such injustices. DuBoise’s case also highlights the importance of DNA evidence in overturning unjust sentences and the critical role of organizations like the Innocence Project in advocating for the wrongfully convicted.

FAQs

How long was Robert DuBoise imprisoned for a crime he did not commit?

Robert DuBoise spent nearly 37 years in prison for a rape and murder he did not commit before being exonerated in 2020.

What led to Robert DuBoise’s exoneration?

DNA testing that was unavailable during the initial investigation implicated two other men, Amos Robinson and Abron Scott, in the murder of Barbara Grams. This evidence, along with the discrediting of the forensic evidence used to convict DuBoise, led to his exoneration.

How much compensation did Robert DuBoise receive from the city of Tampa?

The city of Tampa agreed to pay Robert DuBoise a $14 million settlement to resolve his lawsuit alleging wrongful conviction and imprisonment.