Man Held 42 Years In Prison Freed After New Evidence Suggests Innocence, Can He Get Back On His Feet?

Nothing tastes better than a dose of sweet freedom, however sometimes it's served cold. No matter how exuberant Louis Taylor may feel to be free, the adjustment must be bitter after serving 42 years locked up, perhaps unrightfully so.

Taylor, 58, was set free on Tuesday after serving a lengthy sentence for murder in connection to a 1970 hotel fire that killed 29 people in Arizona. Over four decades later, new evidence has emerged that hints at his innocence.

"It's good to feel Mother Earth under my feet again," Taylor said to reporters on his way out. He was released after a Pima County Superior Court judge agreed that the new evidence is sufficient grounds for a new trial. During the hearing, Taylor pleaded "no contest" to each of the 28 counts of murder and took a plea bargain that states he's not guilty.

To some surprise, Taylor agreed to seek no compensation for his time behind bars. Either he's the most forgiving man on the face of the Earth, or he believes that he's getting off the hook easy.

Paul D'Hedouvill II, whose father died in the fire, read a tear-filled statement during the hearing, remembering his father and all the great moments he's missed since his passing.

"He was never able to go to Ireland to meet my future bride," he said. Despite the tears, D'Hedouvill II holds no grudge against Taylor and agreed that he's free to do as he pleases. "Do as you choose, Mr. Taylor, but choose wisely," he said "Do not waste your new beginning."

Taylor was only 16 when he was thrown in jail following the tragic fire. It's still unclear why Taylor was at the hotel, but he did admit to dressing like a bus-boy in attempt to steal drinks from a company Christmas party. When police apprehended him within hours of the fire, he gave conflicting accounts of what he saw and oddly admitted that he had a history of starting fires. As a result, he was sentenced to life in prison.

Now Taylor is given a second chance, but after spending the majority of his adulthood behind bars, the adjustment to freedom will prove to be a daunting task.