POSEY CO., IN (WFIE) -
Erick Schmitt, the Posey County man originally sentenced to 75 years is now home after his early release from prison.
Schmitt spent the last 14 years in prison for the murder of a convenience store clerk back in 1998.
Friday, Erick is back home, working on his family's dairy farm. He tells 14 News the inspiration he's gotten from others along the way is what's making him work even harder to make a difference in the lives of others.
"Just taking things slow and working on being a productive member of society again," Schmitt said.
It was March 10th, 1998 when Schmitt and two other teens robbed a Motomart in northern Vanderburgh County. Erick had a gun and pulled the trigger, killing clerk Charlie Simpson and wounding a customer.
But after 14 years behind bars, Schmitt says now, his past experiences are helping him relate to other people and help better their lives.
"I think that's going to be an asset to me later on. I'm planning on pursuing social work opportunities," he said.
Friday, 14 News caught up with Schmitt at his family's Wadesville dairy farm, where he tells us, he's getting used to everyday life.
Schmitt says he knows not everyone agrees with his early release, but he says he's keeping his eyes on the future.
"I've just got to stay focused on that and you know? What I can do, you know, to help those around me and those that need my help."
Charlie Simpson's widow Ina tells 14 News she forgives Schmitt and supports his new look on life, something Erick calls an inspiration.
"It makes me tireless, you know? Like, if my day's not going well, I can just pull on that inspiration, and nothing can, nothing can stop me."
The Vigo County Prosecutor's Office says Schmitt will be on home detention until 2016.
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After 14 years in prison, Schmitt is home working on his family's farm in Wadesville, ready to start a new life.
