Douglas Carter, who sat on death row for more than 40 years, is now out of prison.
Douglas Carter, who sat on death row for more than 40 years, is now out of prison.
Carter was released on bail as he awaits a potential retrial in the 1985 murder of Eva Olesen.
He walked out of the Utah County Jail and was immediately greeted by his son, his son’s wife and his attorneys.
“It’s gonna be pretty wild for him, but you know what, it’s okay, because he’s gonna be smiling, and so am I,” said Tyler Anger, Carter’s biological son, before the release.
After 41 years behind bars, Anger said he is looking forward to sharing simple moments with his father.
“We’re gonna go drink a cup of coffee and walk around in the grass,” Anger said.
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But he also knows Carter will need time to adjust.
“The world’s changed a lot and it’s gonna be a major, major shock to him,” Anger said.
Attorney Neal Hamilton said Carter still needs basic things, including an ID.
“When he gets home, if he opens his door, that will be the first time opening his own door in 41 years,” Hamilton said.
Carter left the jail with a cart full of belongings, including what Hamilton said were about 25 years’ worth of legal filings.
“Those are his possessions. And you think about it, his possessions are he has a pillow,” Hamilton said.
For now, Carter’s son says they are there to support him.
“There’s nobody else that’s close, and Doug’s my buddy, and we don’t abandon family members,” Anger said.
Carter is still facing charges and has a legal road ahead. His release is not a final resolution in the case. He is required to wear a GPS monitor and has a no-contact order with the victim’s family.
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