James’ freedom Fund: a decade of Injustice & Triump

James’ Freedom Fund: A Decade of Injustice and Triumph!

10 years ago, amongst a group of startled and heartbroken supporters, my brother, James Higbee, was wrongfully convicted of injuring his son (Devin), who was about to turn one at the time. Devin’s mother and her family took Devin to Solvang for a pre-birthday celebration where Devin was left unattended and unstrapped in his stroller, only to fall and hit his head on concrete. No medical attention was sought. Two days later, on his birthday, his mother and family took Devin to Disneyland where he sustained a second head injury.

That evening, after Disneyland, Devin was dropped off with his father (my brother James) where an evening celebration was planned. However, within minutes of arrival (approx 20 min) Devin went limp in James’ arms. James called 911 immediately and Devin was rushed to Pomona Valley and then Loma Linda. At this time, James was unaware of what had transpired while Devin had been with his mother those 4 days. Tragically, what James witnessed was his son, experiencing a stroke from the head injuries sustained while he was with his mother and her family. Our family spent months at the hospital, alongside James (who never left his sons side) to support my beautiful nephew, Devin.

Social services arrived, and accusations were made. The nightmare only worsened when James was arrested, as he was the last one with Devin, despite Devin’s mother & family admitting to numerous falls on their watch.

James has spent the last decade in prison on a wrongful conviction. Three years ago, the Southern and Northern California Innocence Projects informed him that they were collaborating on his case. Hallelujah! An answer to prayers! This is a huge breakthrough, considering they only take a very limited amount of cases.

Yesterday (Oct 31st), James was granted parole because of his exemplary behavior in prison. The commissioners respected his maintaining of innocence all while still committing to self improvement work while incarcerated. He’s earned four degrees, tutors other inmates, creates incredible works of art for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, leads self-help groups, and once his restitution was paid, he even helped other inmates pay theirs with the money he earned working in prison. He was a wonderful father; he is respected by guards and fellow inmates alike—giving, selfless, and kind. He has not allowed the loss of his child or freedom to break his spirit and continues to walk with the utmost dignity.

We fear for Devin, but persist in our prayers for our cherished boy, hoping for his safety as he is now 14 years old, struggling with some disabilities and unfortunately living with his mother.

The Nor Cal Innocence Project continues to work on James’ case in the fight for a full exoneration. In the meantime, once he is released on parole in 3-4 months, he will need help getting back onto his feet to continue his activism in helping himself & others wrongfully convicted attain freedom. And most importantly God willing, someday be reunited with his son.

All donations will be used for clothing, toiletries, cell phone, art supplies (he is a talented artist) & hopefully a reliable vehicle. Any unused donations will be donated directly to the Northern CA innocence Project.

We express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, prayers and love extended to my brother and our family. This miscarriage of justice did not break him, but instead contributed to shaping him into the bravest man I know! ❤️

Please follow along: www.istandwithjames.com

See his artwork, which has been featured with organizations like Initiate Justice, that advocate for incarcerated individuals:

instagram: @toastwiththemoast