Christopher Dunn, a Missouri man, was released from prison after his 34-year murder conviction was overturned, despite the state attorney general’s efforts to keep him incarcerated. Dunn, 52, expressed gratitude towards his family for their unwavering support, stating, “I never gave up because my family never gave up.” He was released from the St. Louis city jail after a judge overturned his conviction on July 22. However, the release was delayed as Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey appealed the decision. Dunn described the delay as “torture.”
This case marks the second recent instance of a person being freed from prison against Bailey’s appeals after a murder conviction was overturned. Sandra Hemme was released earlier in July after 43 years in prison, with a judge declaring her “actual innocence.” Bailey's office opposed her release, only relenting after a judge threatened contempt.
Political analysts suggest Bailey’s stance aims to secure votes for an upcoming Republican primary against Will Scharf, an attorney for former President Donald Trump. Dunn’s release was initially halted by the Missouri Supreme Court, which later ruled that the St. Louis circuit attorney needed to confirm no plans for retrial. Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore promptly filed a memorandum, setting Dunn free.
The Midwest Innocence Project celebrated Dunn’s release, stating, “We are thrilled that Chris will finally be reunited with his family after 34 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit.”
Missouri NAACP leaders and other organizations attributed Bailey’s actions to political motives and racism. Nimrod Chapel Jr., State NAACP President, accused Bailey of overstepping his authority. Zaki Baruti of the Universal African People’s Organization likened the situation to “another form of lynching.”
Despite Bailey’s opposition, a 2021 Missouri law allows prosecutors to request hearings for wrongful convictions. This law has led to the release of several individuals, including Lamar Johnson and Kevin Strickland, who served decades for crimes they were later found not to have committed. Bailey also opposes the release of Marcellus Williams, whose hearing is scheduled for August.
Link: APNews
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