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Highers brothers: Their first day of freedom

Thomas and Raymond Highers are out of jail after 25 years

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Tuesday was the first day of freedom for Thomas and Raymond Highers. 

The two brothers were sent to prison for a murder they claim they didn't commit.

They will get a new trial but, for now, they're out on bond. On their first full day of freedom they allowed Local 4 reporter Paula Tutman to tag along.

We already know that the Highers brothers are tethered and out on bond after a judge ordered a new trial.  They have to be at their aunt's house by ten and night through six in the morning.  They're looking for jobs and they're looking to start their new life but what happens next?

Watch: First day of freedom for brothers

Tuesday morning they touched money for the first time in 25 years. The sister- in-law of Raymond and Thomas Highers deceased mother became their surrogate. She began guiding the brothers through their first steps on the outside.  For 25 years they've stood convicted of a murder they say they didn't commit.  A judge agreed that a new witness could provide testimony that would change the outcome of a new trial and so the brother's are free- though not clear.  They have to find a way to live on the outside until their new trial and it started with a drive to the mall.

UNCUT: How they dealt with the death of their mother

 Inside the stores there was free will and choices.  A saleswoman held up an orange tank but Tommy said no because he's worn enough orange and yellow with prison clothes.

"Our nieces and nephews stayed at the house until about 2 a.m.," said Thomas.  "We got to hang out with them and kind of get to know them."

For the first time in 25 years the word free really means something.

Thomas said, "Just that we're here and riding in a brand new Chrysler that I fell in love with when I saw the commercial.  It just doesn't seem real.  I think it is going to be like that for a while."

It is also the first time they've been on the internet.  They had never used a cell phone.

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