Christopher Dunn Freed from Prison After Wrongful Conviction in 1991 Murder Case
Today, from the heart of St. Louis, a momentous event unfolded as Christopher Dunn tasted freedom after spending 34 long years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. On the courthouse steps, Dunn proudly thanked his family for never giving up on him. He said, “When the system throws you away, you have to ask yourself if you wanted to just settle for it or fight for it.” His poignant words echoed the struggles of countless others fighting for justice against wrongful convictions.
Unexpected Delay Turns to Freedom
Last week, the fight for his release seemed far from over. Despite a St. Louis circuit judge’s July 22 decision to overturn Dunn’s murder conviction, due to an appeal by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Dunn remained behind bars. Speaking about the delay post the judge’s decision, Dunn referred to it as “torture”. However, today’s joyous moment was realized when the highest court in Missouri confirmed that the St. Louis circuit attorney had no plans to retry Dunn.
Release in Spite of Appeal
This is not the first instance where an individual has been released despite the Attorney General’s efforts to retain them. Just last month, Sandra Hemme was freed after serving 43 years imprisonment for a murder case where the judge found evidence pointing to her “actual innocence”. Bailey’s attempts to continue her incarceration drew severe criticism, climaxing in a judge threatening him with contempt if she wasn’t released.
Political and Racial Agendas
Critics, including political scientists and leading attorneys, opine that Bailey is adopting a tough stance to secure votes in the upcoming Republican primary where he faces a challenge from Will Scharf, an attorney for the former U.S. President. According to the Missouri NAACP president Nimrod Chapel Jr, state Attorney General Bailey “superseded his jurisdiction and authority” when he contested the court’s ruling.
A Conviction Contested
Christopher Dunn was initially convicted for the shooting of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers in 1990. Two boys identified Dunn as the shooter, although they later recanted as adults. Years later, Dunn’s initial conviction was overturned by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore following a motion in February seeking to vacate the guilty verdict. In review of new evidence, Gore declared that “no juror, acting reasonably, would have voted to find Dunn guilty”.
Reform on the Horizon
In light of Dunn’s release, a spotlight is being cast on a recent Missouri law that allows prosecutors to request hearings when they suspect wrongful conviction. This law has led to the release of two men in addition to Dunn, who had spent decades in prison for crimes a judge later ruled they had not committed. Nevertheless, the challenge ahead lies in ensuring such falsely accused individuals get the justice they deserve promptly, instead of languishing in prison for years on end due to legal hurdles. As Dunn reunites with his family and starts rebuilding his life, his story serves as a stark reminder of the urgent reforms needed in the system.
