For now, David Temple is free 17 years after wife's death

Attorneys and family members escort David Temple to a vehicle as he leaves the Harris County Jail on Wednesday. Temple's conviction in his pregnant wife's 1999 murder was overturned. He now awaits a new trial. Attorneys and family members escort David Temple to a vehicle as he leaves the Harris County Jail on Wednesday. Temple's conviction in his pregnant wife's 1999 murder was overturned. He now awaits a new trial. Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 74 Caption Close For now, David Temple is free 17 years after wife's death 1 / 74 Back to Gallery

More than 17 years after the shooting death of his pregnant wife, former football coach David Temple walked out of the Harris County jail Wednesday and into the waiting arms of his family, ready to stand trial again if necessary for a murder he steadfastly maintains he didn't commit.

Wearing a bright red shirt, Temple embraced his mother, father and two brothers, telling the media his release was possible only through God and the support of his family and attorneys.

"It's been a long journey, and fortunately a portion of that journey has been completed," Temple said. "We're waiting for justice to be served, and for the people who put me there, who lied and cheated, be held accountable … ."

But Temple's appellate attorney, Stan Schneider, cut him off, advising him not to speak further about the case.

REACTIONS IN COURT: Temple found guilty in pregnant wife's death

Temple, 48, was released on a $30,000 bond and is set to appear in court Jan. 4 to show he will cooperate with any potential retrial or other proceedings. His conviction was overturned by the state's highest criminal appeals court amid findings of prosecutorial misconduct.

Temple's release drew sharp words Wednesday from the family of Belinda Temple, who was found dead in the couple's home in 1999. They released a statement through victims advocate Andy Kahan.

"Obviously, this is an emotionally devastating day to us and though we understand the higher court's ruling, we also recognize they did not state that Mr. Temple was innocent of the cold-blooded murder of Belinda and her 6-month, unborn daughter Erin," according to the statement. "Belinda and Erin deserve justice."

BACKLASH: Famed Houston prosecutor defends her work in 2007 murder trial

Temple was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2007 after a volatile trial that pitted prominent defense attorney Dick DeGuerin against legendary prosecutor Kelly Siegler, who later became the star of her own TV show.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals concluded last month that prosecutors withheld significant evidence from defense attorneys, including information about an alternative suspect. Siegler has defended her actions in the case but could not be reached for comment.

Incoming District Attorney Kim Ogg - who takes office next week - has indicated her office will review the case and decide whether to proceed with a new trial.

Belinda Temple, a special education teacher at Katy High School who was pregnant with the couple's second child, was found shot execution-style in the back of the head in a closet of her home Jan. 11, 1999.

IT WASN'T ME: Ex-Katy coach proclaims innocence in wife's death

David Temple, who coached football at Alief Hastings High School and was once a star player in Katy, was having an affair with a co-worker at the time and quickly became a suspect.

But Temple insisted he didn't do it, and defense attorneys suggested an intruder killed Belinda Temple.

Temple testified that he returned home that day to find the back door open and a window broken, then rushed inside to find his wife dead. The jury didn't accept his story, however, and convicted him of murder.

The appeals court ruled DeGuerin was denied access to approximately 1,400 pages of offense reports, including an investigation of another possible suspect - a teenage neighbor accused of stealing two shotguns similar to the one used in the murder.

It was the fifth time since 2015 that the state's highest appeals court has ordered a review of murder convictions based on prosecutorial misconduct in the Harris County District Attorney's office.

A NEW LEASE: Judge says David Temple deserves a new trial

Schneider said Wednesday that the new evidence gives Temple a good chance of winning his freedom permanently.

"The new evidence is really substantial, and I believe the evidence shows overwhelmingly that he's innocent," Schneider said.

He would not comment on whether state investigators should look into other convictions secured during Siegler's time as a prosecutor.

Temple's family, meanwhile, said they were "elated" to have him home, and that his release was the culmination of "thousands of prayers."

Schneider said the whole journey seemed surreal.

"The idea of someone you believe is innocent being released from prison - it's something that doesn't happen every day," he said. "The idea he could get a new trial, it's just absolutely surreal."

HOW IT ALL WENT DOWN: Coach went from local star to murder suspect

Brian Rogers, Dylan Baddour and Lise Olsen contributed to this report.