[1][2] Judge Truman Futch, who was also involved in the Groveland Four trial and who denied an effort to prosecute Sheriff Willis McCall after he shot two of the accused during an alleged escape attempt while they were handcuffed together and being transported in the sheriff's custody.
[1] Author Gilbert King wrote the book Beneath a Ruthless Sun about the events.
Journalist Mabel Norris Reese helped bring attention to his case and lawyer Richard Graham worked pro bono on appeals that eventually resulted in his being freed.
After his release, he worked as an assistant cook at a hotel where his mother was a maid and did odd jobs.
He rode a bicycle in Daytona Beach and enjoyed old country songs and playing guitar.