Christopher Dunn Free After More Than 30 Years in Prison for Murder He Didn't Commit

Christopher Dunn [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christopher-dunn-released-prison-missouri/] has been released from prison after over three decades, during which he maintained his innocence.

"We are thrilled that Chris will finally be reunited with his family after 34 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit."
- Midwest Innocence Project, per USA TODAY

Dunn, a Black man, was convicted in 1991 for the first-degree murder of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers. The conviction relied heavily on testimony from two boys, aged 12 and 14, who later recanted, saying they were coerced.

In the years since, Judge William Hickle agreed new evidence likely would have resulted in an acquittal, but did not exonerate Dunn, citing a technicality. It took until July 2023 for Judge Jason Sengheiser to officially overturn the conviction.

Even then, Missouri AG Bailey appealed, keeping Dunn behind bars until the Missouri Supreme Court could rule. That stay was lifted this week, and all charges dismissed.

Dunn is now a free man, supported by the Midwest Innocence Project, who have also set up a [GoFundMe] [https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-chris-dunn-after-three-decades-of-wrongful-imprisonment] to help him start his new life.

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