Stories of Freedom: Robert DuBoise
- IPF Staff
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30
By: Skylar Gutin
Behind every wrongful conviction lies a life interrupted—but never lost.
At the Innocence Project of Florida, we see our clients not for the inaccuracies the system made, but for the full, complex people they are: artists, advocates, friends, and dreamers courageously rebuilding what was taken from them.
Through their stories, we shine a light on resilience—and affirm a powerful truth: no one should be defined by their darkest hour, but by the life they choose to reclaim.
Robert DuBoise was wrongfully convicted of the 1983 rape and murder of Barbara Grams in Tampa, based on unreliable bite-mark evidence and false testimony from a jailhouse informant. At just 18, he became the target of a prosecutor eager to secure a death penalty conviction for career advancement. DuBoise was sentenced to death, later reduced to life in prison, and spent nearly 37 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit.
Even while serving a life sentence designed to culminate in his death behind bars, Robert worked as an electrician, maintaining the prison’s electrical systems—except for one: the electric chair meant for his own execution. He remained steadfast in his refusal to service the very machinery that symbolized the state’s intent to extinguish his life. For this quiet act of defiance, he was placed in solitary confinement on two separate occasions. He was imprisoned alongside some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, including Ted Bundy—a grim reflection of how profoundly the justice system had failed him. And yet, through decades of wrongful imprisonment, DuBoise never stopped fighting for his freedom. In 2020, DNA testing finally cleared his name and identified the true perpetrators.
His story is a searing indictment of a system riddled with flaws—but it’s also a testament to unimaginable resilience, and the enduring hope that justice, no matter how long delayed, can still prevail. As his story unfolded and he fought for his freedom, I had the opportunity to meet Robert while working as an assistant at a medical facility. He had already spent nearly 37 years in prison, yet the man I met was not defined by the injustice he had endured. He was grounded, kind, and deeply committed to helping others.
I had the privilege of attending one of Robert's legislative hearings at the Florida Capitol, standing in solidarity as his story entered a powerful new chapter. During that time, we shared more than just legal updates—we shared lunches, stories, and wholesome moments in between. I even introduced him to boba tea.
Those simple, everyday experiences reminded me that healing doesn’t begin and end with justice. It also lives in connection, in conversation, and in the unexpected joy of discovering something new. Rebuilding a life isn’t only about correcting an injustice—it’s about rediscovering the quiet, joyful moments that remind us what it means to truly live.
Today, Robert is the head of building maintenance at a country club near Tampa. His responsibilities range from changing locks and handling repairs to making sure day-to-day operations run smoothly behind the scenes. Getting the job wasn’t easy—after nearly four decades in prison, he had no official work history. Friends helped him pull together a resume and navigate the online application process. Since then, he’s taken on the role with focus and consistency, proving himself as someone who shows up and gets the work done. It’s a quiet but powerful step forward—steady work, a regular schedule, and a space where he can keep building.
Robert’s story has reached far beyond legal circles. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers honored him as part of the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative, creating custom cleats with his name and the words “Clean Hands” to spotlight the injustice of Florida’s compensation laws for the wrongfully convicted. The team helped bring attention to the broader fight for reform—and to Robert’s strength and story.
In 2024, the City of Tampa awarded Robert a $14 million settlement. But he’s been clear: “People think I’m walking around with $14 million in my pocket—I’m not. And no amount of money makes what happened right”. Robert is not defined by what was taken from him, but by what he continues to give: perspective, presence, and purpose. His story is a reminder that justice isn’t only about being released—it’s about being truly free.
If you ever have the chance to meet Robert, I encourage you to take the time to talk to him and get to know him. He’s an amazing person with a heart full of hope and resilience. If you want to learn more about Robert’s story and how he’s rebuilding his life, be sure to check out the links below to read other articles and follow his incredible journey.
Inspiring Change Through Storytelling
If you’d like to learn more about Robert DuBoise’s incredible journey and the fight for justice, we’ve included some links below. These articles provide deeper insight into his story, his time in prison, and the path to his freedom.
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