A Missouri man was released from prison after his murder conviction was overturned following 34 years behind bars. Christopher Dunn, 52, expressed gratitude for his family's unwavering support during his time in prison. Dunn's conviction was overturned by a St. Louis circuit judge on July 22, but his release was delayed due to appeals from the Missouri Attorney General.
Despite the efforts to keep him incarcerated, Dunn was finally reunited with his wife upon his release from the St. Louis city jail. This marks the second recent case where a person was freed from prison despite the Attorney General's opposition after a murder conviction was overturned.
The release of Sandra Hemme, who served 43 years for a murder she was deemed innocent of, also faced resistance from the Attorney General. Political analysts suggest that these actions may be politically motivated, as the Attorney General is facing a primary challenge.
Dunn's release was temporarily halted by the Missouri Supreme Court, but he was ultimately freed after the St. Louis circuit attorney confirmed no plans to retry him. The Midwest Innocence Project celebrated Dunn's release and pledged support as he rebuilds his life.
The case involved the 1990 shooting of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers, for which Dunn was convicted. The judge who overturned Dunn's conviction cited new evidence that undermined the basis for his guilt. The Attorney General's Office opposed vacating Dunn's conviction, arguing that initial witness testimonies were accurate.
Recent changes in Missouri law allow prosecutors to request hearings for potential wrongful convictions. This has led to the release of individuals like Lamar Johnson and Kevin Strickland, who were wrongfully convicted and spent decades in prison. Another hearing is upcoming for Marcellus Williams, who is challenging his conviction based on DNA evidence.
Williams narrowly escaped execution and is now seeking to prove his innocence. The Attorney General's office is opposing the challenge to Williams' conviction, continuing the legal battle surrounding these cases of potential wrongful convictions.
