…after ten years on death row.

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Cory Maye of Mississippi was charged with capital murder after shooting a cop in his home in 2001. They mistook him for a drug dealer, and he mistook them for an armed intruder.

Maye maintained he was trying to protect his then-infant daughter, but he was never allowed to present that defense to the court, according to HuffPost investigative reporter Radley Balko. He was convicted and sentenced to death.

Now, after 10 years behind bars, and a surprising turn that allowed him a new trial in 2010, Maye is set to be released within days.

Besides controversy over issues of race and police conduct, the case also incited a debate about a universal issue — a father’s instinct to protect his kids.

Melissa Longino, Maye’s daughter’s grandmother, describes to Reason.tv how close he was to his children.

“He was the babysitter; he was the cook…When it came to those kids, he loved — loved those kids, and he still do.”

With Maye being released in the next few days, the public can offer support to Maye and his family through the Cory Maye Justice Fund. According to the Facebook group — and confirmed by Balko — the donations go directly to Cory and his family, not to legal fees.

Support the Cory Maye Justice Fund by clicking the PayPal link below:

Donations are also being accepted via mail:

Cory Maye Justice Fund
c/o R.E. Evans
P.O. Box 636
Monticello, MS 39654