reporter: he was arrested, convicted. sentenced to life. 38 years later, bill mccumber walked out of jail. so what changed? justice requires us to do what s right. reporter: in a special hearing in superior court, the county attorney s office offered him a deal if he changed his plea from not guilty to no contest they would let him go with time served. the family of the victims spoke out against the decision. i just want justice for my sister. reporter: they still believe mccumber is guilty. the decision really doesn t matter to bill mccumber. because after four decades, he s free. wow. 38 years. the heart of your life gone. 77 now. the justice department has been advocating for his release in recent years saying there is no dna evidence. his wife framed him. another man confessed to the killings. but could you imagine? your life is gone. you missed so much. you know, just, oh, man.