Highers brothers released on bond after 25 years in prison

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Two brothers who have spent a quarter-century behind bars for a murder conviction were released from the William Dickerson Detention Facility on bond Monday night.

There were a lot of hugs and tears as Raymond and Thomas Highers thanked their lawyer and spoke with relatives they never had the opportunity to meet while in prison.

The brothers have asked for privacy at this time. Their first order of business; dinner with family.

A judge had been considering whether to release Raymond and Thomas Highers on bond. The bond was set at $10,000 cash/surety.

Prosecutors had hoped that the judge set a high bond for the brothers.

During Monday's hearing prosecutors asked that the men either be placed on an electronic tether and given a $100,000 cash bond or be given a $500,000 - 10% bond.

Attorneys for the Highers brothers asked that they be released on personal recognizance. 

In announcing that the brothers would be given bond, the judge said the Highers are not the same people they were 25 years ago. The judge also said the case was "unique.

Under the terms of their release the brothers cannot drink alcohol or use non-prescription drugs. They must also attended either Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Random urine analysis has also been ordered.

They will be placed on a tether and must be home between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Prosecutors had originally requested that the brothers remain in jail while awaiting an appeal in the case.

The brothers were convicted of murder in the 1987 death of 65-year-old Robert Karey.

New evidence, including a 2009 Facebook post by Mary Evans cast doubts in the case and led to the convictions being overturned in late July.

The witnesses who saw the post did not know the brothers were serving time in connection with the killing and offered new descriptions of the murder suspects.

"Thank God for technology," said Evans.

Prosecutors have said they intend to pursue the case against the brothers, appealing it all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.