HAYS COUNTY, Texas — Devonte Amerson could not hold back emotion as he described the moment he held his son for the first time in almost six years.
"I've dreamed of being out, being with my family. I've woken up with tears in my eyes," Amerson said.
The 30-year-old was arrested in 2018 for a murder charge in the 2015 shooting death of Texas State University student Justin Gage. It's a crime Amerson says he did not commit.
"I really want to see this resolved quickly for me so I don't have to constantly feel these burdens. Like I said before, I want [Gage's] family to find peace so they don't have to keep dealing with their burdens," Amerson said.
On Monday night, Amerson's dream of getting out became a reality when he was met by his family at the Hays County Jail, where he was released on bond.
The murder charge looms as he and his attorneys, David Sergi and Kyler Rucker, await trial on June 10.
"I'm innocent, and I don't deserve what I've been through," Amerson said.
His bond was reduced by a judge on Dec. 6 to $50,000. It was paid for by members of the Hays County advocacy group Mano Amiga.
"Justin's Gage's family should be respected. Their feelings should be respected," Mano Amiga Executive Director Eric Martinez said. "But that does not mean that we should create more victims and take away the lives of more young Black men because of the state's poor case."
Amerson's childhood friend, Cyrus Gray, who was also convicted of murder in the case, had his charges dropped by prosecutors earlier this year.
Amerson lives in Houston and has family that lives there as well. However, as part of his bond conditions, he can't leave Hays County and has to rely on his family to visit him when they can. He is also forbidden from speaking to Gray.
For Amerson, it's a struggle to live with the limitations, but he is now able to spend time with the loved ones he spent so much time away from.
"It's going to work itself out … I honestly feel that way," Amerson said.
KVUE reached out to the Hays County District Attorney's Office about Amerson's release and the delay in prosecuting it. We are waiting for a response.
Members with Mano Amiga added that they are raising funds to help cover Amerson's legal expenses, and shared a link for anyone who wants to contribute.