David Yarde, known as “Rude Boi,” made a powerful call to The Bounce Back Podcast from Shirley Max prison in Massachusetts, where he has been serving a life sentence for the past 12 years. Despite being convicted of a murder at 22, Yarde maintains his innocence and is fighting tirelessly for justice, revealing the shocking details of his case and ongoing battle to clear his name.
At 34 years old, Yarde has been behind bars since 2008 for a crime he insists he didn’t commit. Multiple experts, including forensic pathologists and a ballistics expert, have concluded that it would have been “scientifically impossible” for Yarde to have committed the shooting. Despite these revelations, Yarde’s Rule 30 motion was denied in 2023, and he continues to fight an uphill legal battle. Yarde’s case also includes an eyewitness who initially identified a different person as the shooter, and allegations that law enforcement may have protected the actual perpetrator.
Incredibly, evidence that could have exonerated Yarde—such as matching bullets found in the home of the actual suspect—was not properly investigated. Yarde has changed lawyers multiple times, many of whom he fired for failing to adequately pursue his case.
Yarde’s quest for justice has faced numerous setbacks, with his Rule 30 motion being denied even after expert testimony bolstered his claim of innocence. According to Yarde’s lawyer, Gordon Spencer, a judge allegedly expressed belief in Yarde’s potential innocence but refused to attach his name to a ruling in Yarde’s favor. This situation points to deeper potential corruption, as former DA staff member Bobby Constantina has hinted at possible misconduct in the handling of Yarde’s case.
From his prison cell, Yarde has built a “Justice for David Yard” campaign on social media, hoping to rally support to pressure the District Attorney and other officials to reopen his case. He’s calling on the public to share his story, reach out to Governor Healey, and demand accountability from Massachusetts officials.
Born in Boston and raised in Barbados, Yarde reflects on his early life and unique connections to music. His mother’s close friendship with Rihanna’s family meant Yarde had the chance to see the star in her early days, witnessing her unwavering dedication to music. He later spent time in Jamaica, where he immersed himself in the local music scene, developing a passion for the art. By the time he returned to Boston, Yarde was eager to pursue his musical dreams, though his path was soon interrupted by a violent incident, leading to his arrest.
Despite his wrongful conviction, Yarde has remained hopeful, using his time in prison to mentor younger inmates and focus on self-improvement. Music remains a source of expression for Yarde, who has released songs under the name “Rude Boi” while incarcerated.
Throughout his journey, Yarde has maintained a strong faith and a positive attitude, drawing inspiration from biblical figures like Job. He’s reached out to various public figures, including LA Anthony and Jason Flom from the Wrongful Conviction podcast, in hopes of shedding light on his case and bringing justice.
Now, he’s urging listeners to share his story, amplify his social media campaign, and demand justice for those who’ve been wrongfully convicted.
