Judge Overturns Conviction of Christopher Dunn

A Missouri judge has overturned the conviction of Christopher Dunn, who spent over 30 years in prison for a 1990 murder he claims he did not commit.

Why it matters: Dunn’s case highlights the ongoing issue of wrongful convictions and the challenges faced in rectifying such errors, even with prosecutorial support.

The details:

• Dunn was convicted in 1991 for the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers, based largely on the testimony of two young witnesses who later recanted.
• St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser ruled that new evidence presented would not lead any reasonable juror to convict Dunn beyond a reasonable doubt.
• St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore had filed a motion in February seeking to vacate the guilty verdict, asserting that the evidence shows Dunn’s innocence.

Despite the judge’s order for immediate release, Dunn remains in custody due to an appeal by Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

What they’re saying:

• “The State of Missouri shall immediately discharge Christopher Dunn from its custody,” Judge Sengheiser wrote in his ruling.
• Tricia Rojo Bushnell, executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project, which represented Dunn, emphasized the lack of evidence supporting Dunn’s conviction and the difficulties in overturning wrongful convictions in Missouri.

The other side: The Missouri Attorney General’s office plans to appeal the ruling, which could delay Dunn’s release.

What’s next: As the legal battle continues, advocates push for the swift release of wrongfully convicted inmates like Christopher Dunn and reform in the criminal justice system to prevent similar cases in the future.

Full story

Christopher Dunn remains in a Missouri prison despite a judge’s order to release him immediately. Dunn has spent over 30 years behind bars for a 1990 murder that he did not commit. St.

Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser overturned Dunn’s conviction on Monday. The judge cited “a clear and convincing showing of ‘actual innocence'” in his ruling. He stated, “The State of Missouri shall immediately discharge Christopher Dunn from its custody.”

However, Dunn was not released due to an appeal filed by Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

This decision has left state officials and advocates puzzled. Karen Pojmann, spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Corrections, confirmed that Dunn is still in custody. She said he will remain imprisoned pending the outcome of the legal appeal.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore investigated Dunn’s case and found he was wrongfully convicted. Gore expressed concern over the situation.

“In our view, the judge’s order was very clear, ordering his immediate release. Based on that, we are considering what approach and what legal options we have to obtain Mr. Dunn’s relief,” Gore said.

The Missouri Attorney General’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. Dunn’s case is similar to that of Sandra Hemme, who was wrongfully imprisoned for 43 years for a fatal stabbing in 1980.

Judge orders immediate release

Despite evidence proving her innocence, Attorney General Bailey’s appeals kept her behind bars. Hemme was eventually freed after a court threatened to hold Bailey in contempt. Dunn’s wife, Kira, expressed mixed emotions at a news conference.

“We are overjoyed, and at the same time, we’re also afraid to really exhale until Chris actually takes his first free steps and feels the free ground against his feet,” she said. Dunn was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1990 shooting of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers. His conviction was based on testimony from two boys who later recanted their statements.

Judge Sengheiser’s ruling noted that no reasonable juror would have convicted Dunn in light of the new evidence. The issue extends beyond Dunn’s case. Attorney General Bailey’s office has also opposed similar motions, such as the case of Lamar Johnson.

Johnson was wrongfully imprisoned for 28 years before being freed in February 2023. Another hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21 for death row inmate Marcellus Williams.

DNA evidence suggests Williams’ innocence, yet Bailey’s office is still opposing a re-examination of his case. Williams narrowly avoided execution in 2017 thanks to a stay granted by then-Gov. Eric Greitens.

But with a new execution date set for September by Gov. Mike Parson, Williams’ case remains urgent. As Missouri grapples with these contentious cases, advocates continue to push for the swift release of wrongfully convicted inmates like Christopher Dunn.