Current:Home > reviewsExonerated murder suspect Christopher Dunn freed after 30 years, Missouri court delay -Prosperity Pathways
Exonerated murder suspect Christopher Dunn freed after 30 years, Missouri court delay
View
Date:2025-04-19 22:21:15
Just over a week after the Missouri Supreme Court halted the release of a man whose murder conviction had been overturned, Christopher Dunn has now been released from prison after over 30 years behind bars.
Dunn, 52, was driven from the South Central Correctional Center in Licking, where he had been imprisoned, to the St. Louis city jail on Tuesday night, where he was officially released. CBS News reported that his wife, Kira Dunn, was waiting for him.
Dunn was convicted of murder and assault in 1991, but St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Jason Sengheiser overturned it July 22, finding that "in light of the new evidence, no juror, acting reasonably, would have voted to find Dunn guilty of these crimes beyond a reasonable doubt."
Even after Dunn's conviction was overturned, Missouri Attorney General Bailey appealed the ruling, and the Missouri Supreme Court had halted his release while it ruled on the appeal. This week, the court lifted the emergency stay, and St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore dismissed his criminal charges.
The Midwest Innocence Project helped represent Dunn and secure his release from prison. In a statement to USA TODAY, the group said that Dunn's "nightmare comes to an end. He is coming home."
"We are thrilled that Chris will finally be reunited with his family after 34 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit," the Midwest Innocence Project continued in the statement.
"We look forward to supporting Chris as he rebuilds his life. But our joy in welcoming Chris home is tempered by the additional days and moments stolen from him by this week’s proceedings. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from all corners of the country over the past few days. As we all observed, that was not justice."
Sonya Massey:Court documents reveal Illinois deputy shot Sonya Massey in the face inside her home
Why was Christopher Dunn in prison?
Dunn, who is Black, had been in prison since 1991 and was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1990 shooting of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
He was 18 at the time and was convicted largely on testimony from two boys, ages 12 and 14, who both later recanted their testimonies and said they had been coerced by prosecutors and police, the Missouri Independent reported.
Judge William Hickle agreed at a 2020 evidentiary hearing that a jury would likely find Dunn not guilty based on new evidence, ABC News reported. Hickle did not exonerate Dunn, however, citing the 2016 Missouri Supreme Court ruling from Lincoln v. Cassady that only death row inmates can make an innocence claim.
GoFundMe set up for Christopher Dunn
The Midwest Innocence Project also set up a GoFundMe after his release to help Dunn "re-enter society with some financial resources."
The fundraiser has raised over $11,000.
veryGood! (8331)
Related
- Small twin
- Tiger Woods included in 2024 Masters official tournament field list
- How freelancers can prepare for changing tax requirements
- Louisiana debates civil liability over COVID-19 vaccine mandates, or the lack thereof
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Nordstrom Secretly Put Tons of SKIMS Styles On Sale — and They're All Up To 50% Off!
- A fifth Albuquerque, New Mexico, police officer has resigned amid probe of unit
- Gimme a break! You've earned some time off. So why won't your boss let you take it?
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Amazon's Spring Sale Includes Cute Athleisure & Athletic Wear That Won't Break a Sweat
Ranking
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Hermès Birkin accused of exploiting customers in class-action lawsuit filed in California
- Amazon's Spring Sale Includes Cute Athleisure & Athletic Wear That Won't Break a Sweat
- Nordstrom Secretly Put Tons of SKIMS Styles On Sale — and They're All Up To 50% Off!
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Squatters suspected of killing woman in NYC apartment, stuffing her body in duffle bag, police sources say
- Has anyone ever had a perfect bracket for March Madness? The odds and precedents for NCAA predictions
- Annoyed With Your Internet Connection? This Top-Rated Wi-Fi Extender Is $15 during Amazon's Big Sale
Recommendation
Trump's 'stop
Sara Evans, husband Jay Barker have reconciled after his 2022 arrest: 'We're so happy now'
Trump could score $3.5 billion from Truth Social going public. But tapping the money may be tricky.
How much money did Shohei Ohtani's interpreter earn before being fired?
Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
Six people, including 15-year-old boy, now charged in Kansas City Super Bowl parade shooting
Riley Strain Case: College Student Found Dead 2 Weeks After Going Missing
Senate rival Frank LaRose joins other GOP Ohio officeholders in endorsing Bernie Moreno