Friday marked a new chapter in Anthony Ray Hinton's life. After spending nearly 30 years on Alabama's Death Row, Hinton was freed.
But he will start that journey with few resources. One woman - a complete stranger - is hoping she can help make the transition a little smoother.
“I just thought about it the whole weekend,” said Lisa Simonsen. “It was bothering me and I just felt compelled to do something.”
Simonsen first learned of Hinton's story on Facebook. She lives in North Carolina and doesn't really have any Alabama ties.
Still, hearing what happened, she decided to start a Go Fund Me account to help Hinton out. Her goal: $100,000.
“He doesn't have a job. He doesn't have any money. So even if I could raise just a little money it would hopefully help,” Simonsen says.
There is the question of whether the state will pay Hinton for the time he spent behind bars. Under Alabama law, someone who was wrongly convicted can get $50,000 for ever year they were locked up.
But will his case qualify? Hinton's attorney, Bryan Stevenson, says they're looking into it.
“I mean, in some ways, you would think somebody who is part of the system would be carrying that torch, you know? 'We did this...we should figure out what we're going to do and try to compensate him,'” says Stevenson.
But the burden of proof to get that money is very high. That's why Simonsen wants to help now.
“I just hope he realizes that even though the justice system failed him, that people really do care and not everybody is corrupt or out to get you,” Simonsen says. “I just really want him to be happy and enjoy the rest of the time he has."
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