Freed man Bill Macumber speaks out after being released from prison

TEMPE, AZ - It's known as one of the most sensational murder cases in the history of Arizona.

In 1975, Bill Macumber was sentenced to two life sentences for killing two people and dumping their bodies in the desert. For nearly 40 years, he maintained his innocence, saying his ex-wife framed him for the murders.

Finally, four months ago, with the help of the Arizona Justice Project, Macumber was released from prison .

A lot happened during those 40 years: Weddings, births of grandchildren, you name it; Macumber says he missed it all.

But also, think about how much our society has changed in four decades. Macumber says once he was released, he felt like Rip Van Winkle, waking up, four decades later, to find a world he barely even recognized.

“Even though you watch television and you see the changes, the changes don't impact like they do when you walk down the street. I don't know one car from the other. I'm totally awed by the technology. I'm awed by the size of the Walmarts and the Target stores. I'm not comfortable with the dress of our youth. They're sloppy. I'm not sure it should be allowed now because it delves into self-pride," says Macumber.

He says he's been told he has to accept these things, but, he decided he doesn't have to accept anything.

He always believed he'd be released. So, for many years he dreamed of three things: Ordering McDonald’s french fries, eating at Dairy Queen and cracking open a beer. He says all three were just as amazing as he imagined.

Now, looking back and knowing how the entire story plays out, he says there is something he would have done differently. He says his one regret: not staying close with all three of his sons.

As for his future endeavors, Macumber says he has no concrete plans, other than spending as much time with family as he can. 

Meanwhile, Macumber is promoting a book written by Barry Siegel about his experience called: Manifest Injustice, The True Story of a Convicted Murderer and the Lawyers Who Fought for His Freedom.