. >> reporter: amir, born in 1983 in flagstaff arizona to iranian-american parents. of four children in a close and active family. high school hockey star, and an american combat veteran, as a u.s. marine sergeant, serving in iraq and afghanistan. >> i was proud of him for wanting to serve his country. >> post iraq, working as a contractor. >> in december 2011 in tehran, accused as an american spy, an agent for the c.i.a. making this public expression. back home... >> the first time it was his face in tv. >> reporter: it was the first time in months that the family knew where amir was. >> what did you think as you heart imear speak in the confession video? >> i was shocked locking at his face. that was not him. i said "michael, what did they do to him?", >> reporter: there was a secret trial, his military card, employment agreement with contractors was produced, unusual pocket literature for a spiers evidence of tying with c.i.a. he was sentenced to death. >> it was sickening, we can't believe it got to this point. months later, a new trial was ordered. he was able t