He got life for a murder he didn’t commit. Freedom began with a train ride and Heat game.
After spending more than three decades in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, Thomas Raynard James is enjoying life again.
And the 55-year-old has a bucket list of things he wants to do.
On Wednesday, one of his wishes came true: He rode a Brightline train.
The rail service that runs across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties didn’t exist when James was arrested in 1990 for the murder of a Coconut Grove man. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Last week, after more than 30 years of imprisonment, James heard a prosecutor tell the judge what he always knew: “He’s actually innocent.” And he was exonerated.
On Wednesday, James, who is now a free man, was met with applause at Brightline’s MiamiCentral station, where he was named an “honorary conductor” and boarded a Brightline train to Fort Lauderdale.
“The second we heard your story, we were all moved and thought, ‘We got to do something for you and your family,’” Ben Porritt, senior vice president of Brightline, told James during his Brightline visit.
Brightline also gave James an annual pass so he can ride the train whenever he wants.
The company also shuttled him to Wednesday’s Miami Heat playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers at FTX Arena. James was named “Honorary Captain” and given a shout-out.
“For me, it’s an honor and a pleasure to be able stand right here today,” James told Miami Herald news partner CBS4 during his Brightline visit.
What else is on his bucket list?
Finding a job. Starting a foundation to help people that were wrongfully incarcerated.
Oh, and he wants to ride Brightline to Disney World, he told the station. He won’t have to wait long to see Mickey Mouse — the rail service’s new station is expected to open at Orlando International Airport early next year.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help James gain financial security as he starts his new life.
This story was originally published May 5, 2022 at 11:51 AM.
