Trevor Dooley was released on bond, Thursday, and arrived at his home that evening after spending years behind bars.
A judge granted Dooley bond as he fights for a new trial. He was convicted of manslaughter with a weapon, improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon or firearm, and open carrying of a weapon.
In 2010, Dooley killed David James on a basketball court, during an argument. James' 8-year-old daughter witnessed the crime.
"I can't imagine what they must be going through -only that it's a terrible thing," Dean Crooks said.
His wife, Sherry, said Dooley feels remorseful.
"He feels horrible that that little girl had to grow up without her dad. I mean that's been his …his words," Sherry Crooks said.
The Crooks live in Dooley's neighborhood and they said they couldn't wait to see their friend.
"Everyone that I have spoken with is delighted. (We're) glad that he's coming home," Dean Crooks said.
"I don't feel he's a threat to anybody -at all," Sherry Crooks said.
James' family feels differently about Dooley's release. They're fighting for Dooley to stay behind bars. Kanina Eurez, David James' widow, spoke with ABC Action News Wednesday.
"He has just been given chance after chance after chance and its -to us- its taken advantage of..of the legal system," Eurez said.
She also said, "our concern is that he now gets to go home and spend all of the holidays with his family".
Dooley is limited to traveling in Hernando County unless for example he has to appear in court or meet with his counsel. He was instructed not to contact the victim's family. He had to turn in his passport and he cannot have any weapons.
The Crooks said Dooley has been open with his neighbors in the past about what happened.
"He's going through a lot more torment, I'm sure of that, than most people realize," Dean Crooks said.
