A 26-year-old spent years in prison for 4 murders he didn't commit. Now, he tells his story

Matthew Baker was convicted of the bonfire murders in Jackson, Georgia. The real killer confessed, and now he's finally free: www.11alive.com/article/news/...
At 11Alive, we believe that news shouldn’t be a one-way conversation, but a dialogue with you. Join in, share your thoughts and connect with new perspectives.
Subscribe to 11Alive for exclusive content: bit.ly/11AliveSubscribe
Stream 24/7 on Roku, Amazon Fire TV: bit.ly/3TqWmiM
Download our 11Alive News app: interactive.11alive.com/appre...
Follow 11Alive on Social:
Facebook: / 11alive
Twitter: / 11alivenews
Instagram: / 11alive
11Alive is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

[@donthousand8983]

time to file a lawsuit

[@brandoncaldwell8661]

Even tho money won’t bring the time back he deserves millions I hate seeing innocent people locked up especially young people

[@BreadWinner-om3qb]

I'm sure he's working on it

[@sashawalker2602]

On God....most definitely

[@JJ-ix4zr]

Need to get the Prosecutors accountable for this atrocity.

[@kandykane77]

I hope this young man finds a good attorney to handle these matters. 8 years of his life he can’t get back bless you baby ❤

[@imhereforitall9218]

An Atty not connected to that county.

[@jarmelo2006]

This ridiculous and quite shameful. He needs compensation.

[@grovedwayne390]

💯 this is why everyone should prove their allegations. So many people get locked up from public opinion and this corrupt judicial system.

[@chrisyoung4399]

We gotta start holding the prosecution and the officers accountable for these types of cases. It's so sad that this young man has lost out on some of his best years.

[@ishma2100]

I believe they have some sort of impunity

[@bonniemcdaniel8]

ANYONE WHO HAD A HAND IN SENDING THIS YOUNG MAN TO PRISON FOR EIGHT YEARS, SHOULD BE SUED. WHERE COMPENSATION IS CONCERNED, HE GOT THE DEATH PENALTY. JUST KEEP ADDING ZEROES TO THE FIGURE.

[@julianr1330]

"You gotta have faith". Man what a stand up dude, loved the message he gave through adversity. I pray he starts his life now and sees many blessings his way amen

[@MrRaylG1]

How he sit for 8 years without a hearing. Where the evidence? This is as bold as it gets. I hope he has a lawyer to get him compensated for this illegal prosecution against him.

[@KaitlynFaye]

Right and now someone confessed….so is that the only reason he finally got the hearing?

[@dawnhutson6798]

​@KaitlynFaye Jacob confused immediately and they STILL held him 8 YEARS and then was going for the death penalty

[@tre_4]

@@dawnhutson6798, yeah thats tha messed up part

[@tre_4]

@@KaitlynFaye, Correct.

[@DEEZNUTTZ181]

It's called being black in America that's how it happens! This is not a new story unfortunately. There are thousands of innocent men behind bars!

[@sharmarizle21]

Sue everyone

[@bookbag6432]

He left at the most crucial time of his life. Couldn't go to college, couldn't date, couldn't start his first adult job ect. Now he has to start all over and it's significantly harder to do that as an adult. The money will help, but he'll need a lot of mental help for his mindset to change. Also who knows what happened in prison for 8 years. He could've gotten beaten and sexually assaulted.

[@b.a.m.9962]

There's a lady named "sue" that can help you with transitioning back into society!

[@LadyAtheOnly]

💯🎯💯🎯

[@JDMitch4578]

🎯🎯🎯💯💯💯

[@LeinaVance]

This is why bail is a right. Anybody who is against bail would never deny themselves bail if they were ever falsely accused or arrested.

[@lanzehuffgang3417]

I ain’t gonna lie it got to feel good for the person that actually did the crime stand on business for you and testify on your behalf.

[@YoYo-gt5iq]

Did they say 8 years until trial?

[@tre_4]

correct. 6th Amendment Violation

[@mdavis3262]

Its crazy how a murderer cared to do the right thing more than the DA

[@airons1895]

Sue them, get paid, leave Henry County and live in peace somewhere else. Wishing you and your family the best.

[@genevieveaciro638]

8 years? What a waste of time

[@internetuser7156]

8 years? What happened to a right to a speedy trial?

[@NAT-turners-Revenge]

Tell me about it ... 8years

[@SoberOKMoments]

No such thing if you can't make bail. And sometimes even when you can. They held my grandson for a year on a far lesser charge before deciding he was innocent.

[@NAT-turners-Revenge]

@@SoberOKMoments you allowed your son to be held for a year 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Deeg504]

@@NAT-turners-Revengewell they just explained that they didn’t have the funds for him to make bail.

[@tammyslade1375]

The prosecutor knew they didn’t have anything on him, so they tried to get him to take a plea! 😡

[@user-zq4fv8sj6v]

Is there a GoFundMe for Mr. Baker?? He certainly DESERVES one while The State of Georgia and the Prosecutors Office plays dumb and drags reparations out as usual….

[@guadaluperubino2065]

🙏🙏🙏❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@ssherrierable]

Yeah add it to go fund me Steven s…..

[@christopherwright4139]

I would sue the shit out of the state.

[@aklambert67]

8 years to get to trial is insanity...whst happened to a right to a speedy trial?

[@qt1622]

you get to exercise that right when you have proper representation or the state has a good case.

[@ownlanefamily9926]

Where his money at he need it now/ a mill for each year

[@magacop5180]

Who is going to pay it?

[@vuksgitau]

They better run him his money.

[@ronjohnson8952]

The prosecutors and the judges need to be held accountable for this bullshit!!! That young man lost 8yrs of his life for nothing!! I hope he gets everything that hes entitled to!!EVERYTHING🙌🏾🙌🏾I hope he's able to get his life together and become the person he thought he would always be💯

[@22221mm]

He’s gonna have lifelong trauma, locked up in cage as a teenager

[@geeodom2150]

You were the blackest around so they charged you. Life is not fair 💔

[@ronaldmcdonaldjunior6616]

Facts

[@favor138]

That part!

[@datrill1000]

💯

[@magacop5180]

The other shooter was white.

[@Alex-dn5hi]

This doesn't only happen to blacks. Shove that race card up your ass

[@dragonsboon2316]

What evidence did they claim to have against him? Who was the real killer that confessed? Why did they finally come forward? Who was the prosecutor responsible for this travesty? What is their track record? Why can’t reporters give us any relevant info anymore?

[@magacop5180]

His friend was the main shooter.

[@tre_4]

@@magacop5180 Main not Only ?

[@israelkosky]

​@@tre_4only

[@Albus55]

That's why I don't trust law enforcement and the judicial system.

[@ShaunRobinson-eb7vd]

God bless them both 🙏🏾

[@SoberOKMoments]

Grateful this obviously decent young man has been released from a horrific situation. I hope he will be able to live the life he was meant to have going forward - with some hefty compensation from those who locked him up and threw away the key for eight long years.

[@joangehrig1133]

This is super confusing. It's shocking that he waited 8 years to go to trial. But there's something wrong with this because they say he went to trial at his 8th year and he was still in the county jail a year later. None of this makes sense. And if it was only 8 years and the trial only took a couple weeks why did it not go to trial how can this be legal to hold him regardless how busy the court system is. This man needs to be paid off but this just can't happen again

[@40acresandatractor222]

$2M for every year of wrongful incarceration🤬

[@guadaluperubino2065]

Wow unbelievable!! All of these years,, but things happen for a reason, At least he is young enough to start over again.

[@imhereforitall9218]

It was either go to trial & face the death penalty or take the plea & get 4 life sentences. Pick your own poison kid.

[@tre_4]

⁠Damn, They Railroaded Him. That's Messed Up.

[@2KCheteGang]

Very sad ..

[@tararansom2750]

8 years with no trial. due process??

[@tre_4]

violated

[@ESR-ij2vp]

He can sue. Thts cut and dry. Anything could have happen and it had to take soooo long. He did a 10!!!!

[@ExceptionalLibra]

Horrific!

[@vanessabyrd6571]

Henry County police, prosecutors and DA needs to held accountable and he needs to be compensated.

[@BreadWinner-om3qb]

Big lawsuit 🤦 from them years you've been in prison

[@isabellrc]

Oooo, he deserves compensation… Too many citizens have been put to death & they were innocent

[@kingdavid4971]

8 years with no court date in crazy

[@Honestly_Speaking_Gods_Truth]

Baker it’s O! I’m in tears!! When they told me you were released, I praised the name of The Lord for you. This man is such a good kid. God fearing, respectful. I have nothing but good things to say! Baker, be sure to make the most of your new beginning!! Congratulations man!! I’m so so happy for you! Praise God!!

[@PopOutPaulie]

They knew they didnt have shit on him so they tried to dry him out and make him plea just to get it over with. The system playing dirty once again smh. I hope he sues them and gets every last dollar he could possibly get

[@tre_4]

Yep. The court system IS Grimy asf

[@frontlinefirst]

His freedom is not enough! The DAs and officers involved in the case need to be investigated. Half of this young man’s life was taken from him! No court date for years! Not understanding this!

[@Gchild2k6]

The legal system should not be so difficult and slow to admit it errors. All those involved in keeping this man in jail let alone the ones that tried to get him to take a plea should all be struck off and jailed. THERE NEEDS TO BE A REVIEW OF ALL PLEAS and any similar to this should mandate an immediate release.

[@stangman6291]

They tried to rail road this mixed kid smh

[@CoffeeCatsAndTrueCrime]

I really hope and pray this young man can start to build a good life for himself after 8 years in county jail. Thats some hard time right there. He does need to sue, but a good amount of that money is going to need to go towards therapy if he's going to live a good life after this 😕

[@KainSwiss]

When they completely get it wrong it's just sad for the victims. Matthew was also a victim that day. 8 years behind bars is sickening, but this happens so many times

[@tre_4]

dont do the crime, if u cant do the time (ignorant individuals Will judge him withOut knowing full story)

[@debbarnes5746]

This happens daily some don't make it out God bless this young man. He can make a difference

[@MyNameIsUnavailable]

We know why

[@robincampbell-fp2vo]

Here we go again, please sue and get some money to get a better start in life. Americas Justice System, certainly can’t depend on it to get it right! SMH

[@illest28s32]

Will he get compensation

[@MiNoGanG]

No story to tell.. there’s no words that can express what he felt or seen in those walls.. & the way he was treated.. just no way…

[@leticiapaige6029]

I’m so sorry you had to go though this. Praying for you and your family and hoping that what did not break you will make you stronger. God.bless you.

[@tr2404]

I've heard of people spending over 20 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit, only to be proven innocent later. At least he has a chance to regain some normalcy. Good Luck..

[@tre_4]

sometimes, even death & years later they find out the inmate was Actually innocent.

[@JohnDoe-mp1zk]

his person was even afforded a trial, this is sooooooo wrong1

[@Phenomenal8448]

Who killed them and why?

[@ronaldmcdonaldjunior6616]

Good question

[@magacop5180]

He did. But his friend was the main shooter.

[@user-fb5pt7kw7l]

God bless him! What an awesome attitude!

[@_schoolboy1867]

8 years in county jail is hard time

[@tre_4]

try 8 years in Medium Security Prison

[@jerrisbradley6675]

Right to a speedy trial his constitutional rights were violated.

[@tre_4]

correct,

[@stephensullivan1879]

I guess it’s not unconstitutional to hold someone almost a decade with no conviction? How long for a trial to take place. Must need a lot of time for the prosecution to make “square” lies fit in the round holes of “truth”

[@earnesthillsdale9218]

Choose your friends wisely. You can get caught up …

[@preciousowusu7743]

I couldn't imagine.

[@markdeguzman5505]

Make sure you get your million $$ from the city or whoever is involved. Even a day in jail, I'm sure, isn't good at all.

[@thequeensofthequeens]

$1 million a year plus 5 more .

[@dabbydabby6484]

*6A-Right to a speedy trial. 8yrs later SMH*

[@RealWalterFord1]

Time to sue sue and get ALLLLLL that money

[@guadaluperubino2065]

🙏🙏There is A GOD 🙏🙏

[@druzski]

damn

[@nitdiver5]

Yeah that reporter in blue!

[@janethutcheson3678]

Glad justice was given finally.🙏🏼

[@SwitchinLanez720]

#Lawsuit

[@iriemo721]

How you wait 8 years for a court date?!?

[@halfmanhalfamazing2152]

That's what I'm wondering never heard of that before!

[@tre_4]

@@halfmanhalfamazing2152, Easy. Violate His 6th Amendment.

[@sheyshey764]

so sad he went through that look at his eyes when he talks about being locked up Also is there any more info on the shooter that testify

[@sharlafalkner1442]

So greatful he is home. Pray life will be so happy for him. I can’t imagine how prison was. You will have a marvelous life. God bless you. God bless you.

[@Victory2391]

He needs to be compensated for the mental anguish that he's been through

[@Bri_g3]

8 years no court date? No amount of money will get his time back

[@streetswannaknow]

Lawsuit

[@carlsenwhite4660]

Massive compensation for distress,etc,within one year

[@Staytrue4ver]

They owe that man so much money but could never add up to the time he lost 🤦‍♂️.

[@hermanisbarbiedolllife]

This is so heartbreaking because the actual killer admitted to the crime almost immediately after it happened and has always been adamant that Matthew was not involved at all, and the police and prosecutors did not believe him and took eight years from this young man’s life for no reason

[@UrOnlyWarning]

God bless this family. Glad hes home. And R.I.P TO THE ONES WHO LOST loved Ones

[@messyperspective621]

I couldn’t imagine.. I’m going on 4 years waiting on my FIRST court date for a felony charge . It’s brung my life to a halt and although I’m innocent I’m willing to take whatever to get this over with.. speedy trials are a myth 🙄 Congratulations Young man !

[@gwilson976]

It’s not the man that needs. Forgiveness is the system that took him, knowing that he was not guilty. That’s who needs to beg him for forgiveness.

[@marcuscooper8809]

He sat for 8 years because they knew their case was weak

[@HollaIfYaHemi392]

Imagine how many folks are innocent behind bars. Justice system a joke

[@nsilentnite]

Also those families need to publicly apologize to him and his family

[@user-qq9eq1rm8z]

Whoever neva gave up on you loves you!

[@gabriellewhaley7186]

Congratulations Amen

[@johnbedford3450]

He hit the lotto. Jack Pot

[@debbiedelight7988]

When I say sue every damn body🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@Honestly_Speaking_Gods_Truth]

You’re an inspiration man! So blessed. I saw your faith in action. I knew you’d be released. Praise God.

[@Jaime_Lee_733]

Everyone needs to be locked up

[@user-qq9eq1rm8z]

System is wrong

[@siddiqomar6338]

How’d it happen to begin wit

[@tentrickspony8925]

He deserves reparations...they must pay him for all of the time he lost

[@MalcolmLittle-pw9dz]

There’s no suit. Murder cases sometimes take years

[@taraidemudia8275]

People are crazy. He doesn't even look or talk like a killer.

[@MzWhoDatBaby]

Try 34 years of being incarcerated for being wrongful convicted, finally getting out next month! TYJ! The only way he can be released is if he signs papers stating he’s not going to sue the state! Im glad this young man only served 8 yrs! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️

[@tre_4]

the state is taking advantage of your love one's Vulnerable state. the *itches dirty as hell for that.

[@mcboyz1173]

This is sick! His life got screwed up for an oops?

[@firstcurrency7585]

Never go out to eat dinner with people who like the taste of wine but only has beer money for the time.

[@sheilaburditte4014]

Please, please sue these incompetent people!! You can’t get those years back!