Life interrupted: Man exonerated in murder struggles to start fresh after 24 years behind bars

Jonathan Fleming, who was exonerated of murder after almost 25 years behind bars, on his way to get is first bankcard on Friday April 18, 2014 in New York. The weeks since his release have been a mix of emotional highs and practical frustrations. “Coming back, you know, it’s been hard. ... It’s a lot to have to catch up on." (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) (The Associated Press)

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Jonathan Fleming, center, who was exonerated of murder after almost 25 years behind bars, visits his lawyer Taylor Koss, left, and his son Max, 6, on Friday April 18, 2014 in New York. The weeks since his release have been a mix of emotional highs and practical frustrations. “Coming back, you know, it’s been hard. ... It’s a lot to have to catch up on." (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) (The Associated Press)

While in a conversation with his lawyer Taylor Koss, left, Jonathan Fleming, center, observes his lawyer's son Max, 6, as he uses a tablet computer on Friday April 18, 2014 in New York. Fleming was exonerated of murder after almost 25 years behind bars. The weeks since his release have been a mix of emotional highs and practical frustrations. “Coming back, you know, it’s been hard. ... It’s a lot to have to catch up on." (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – The day Jonathan Fleming was cleared of the murder that put him behind bars for almost 25 years, he strode out of a New York City courthouse to congratulations from passers-by and what he sees as the start of a new life.

The weeks since have been a mix of emotional highs and frustrations.

He marveled at strangers donating thousands of dollars to help him but doesn't yet have a place of his own.

He had a first-ever meeting with a son he learned was his while in prison, even as he prepares to visit another son serving a prison term of his own.

Fleming says there's a lot to catch up on. But he says he's looking forward to it.