Eric Buzbee talks after three trials

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. - After spending over two years in jail and going through three capital murder trials, Eric Buzbee is a free man.

He was found not guilty of the murder of service station manager Bobby Wilson. He’s finally able to do the things he loves again after spending the last two years locked away from those things dearest to him.

“It was difficult for me. I just had a son. I hadn’t gotten to see him much and then to be hidden away for two years not knowing if you were going to get to see him again. It was pretty rough,” commented Buzbee.

He said that the frustration of going through three trials was difficult, but he had the support of his family throughout and faith that the truth would prevail. He said, “I was never worried about it going the other way from day one…just didn’t know when we were going to get our chance in court, but I knew it was going to be one day.”

That day came last Friday in a Bay Minette courtroom when a not guilty verdict was read. Later that day, Eric was able to taste freedom and join his family again. “Man, that was the greatest feeling in the world. I just felt happy and glad to be free and the truth come out…about the best day I’ve ever had,” Buzbee reflected.

The verdict comes with a price that Eric will have to carry with him. He knows that there are still people who think that a guilty man was set free. It’s a hard pill for him to swallow. “Man, that's just it, blows my mind that…to hear people say, you know, that it should have been done a different way with a different D. A,” he said.

His focus is getting back into the swing of life on the outside and it’s outdoors that he loves to be the most. That’s where he’s been the last few days. His grandfather has put him to work. Buzbee said, “We’ve been working the last couple of days at the hunting club, getting everything ready. Hunting season’s coming up soon. I can’t wait to go.”

Baldwin County District Attorney, Judy Newcomb, does not plan on re-opening the case.