ATLANTA, Ga. – In 2010, Lydell Grant was arrested and convicted for the fatal stabbing of a 28-year-old man outside of a Houston bar. The now 42-year-old has been released after DNA testing proved him to be innocent while naming a 41-year-old Georgia man, according to AJC.

Grant was released from prison on bond while authorities re-investigated the case. His mother, Donna Poe, told the Houston Chronicle, “It’s been a long journey. I dreamed of this day, for the holidays, when my son would be here with me and my family. This is just such a happy day.”

During the time that Grant was celebrating with his family, 41-year-old Jermarico Carter was being arrested outside of a pawn shop in Decatur. Carter confessed to his role in the 2010 murder.

Carter is awaiting extradition to Texas. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo released the following statement:

Grant is enjoying the holidays with his family for the first time in nine years.