Myon Burnell, a Black man who was sent to life in prison as a teen for murder, was freed on Tuesday by the Minnesota pardon board.
What We Know:
- Burrell’s case made headlines earlier this year after new evidence in the case was found by The Associated Press and the American Public Media. Additionally, concerning errs in the police’s investigation were discovered, flaws that could significantly support Burrell’s innocence.
- The newly freed man was charged with the murder of an 11-year-old girl who was hit by a stray bullet while doing homework at her dining room table. Burrell had always defended his innocence, proven when another man confessed to being the shooter.
- According to the Star Tribune, Burrell initially didn’t speak publicly, shaking hands instead as supporters swarmed him. When he finally arrived at a waiting car, he turned to the crowd and stated, “I can’t express my gratitude for all my supporters.”
“We’re fighting for justice. There’s too much injustice going on,” he said as he waved his hand in the air.
- Following the AP’s yearlong investigation, it resulted that there was not enough solid evidence to prove Burrell was the shooter. The investigation found that police arrested Burrell without a gun, DNA, or fingerprints that could tie him to the crime.
- Regarding the improper police investigation, it was found that police did not collect a corner store’s surveillance video, which Burrell said could have cleared him. Additionally, video footage showed the lead homicide detective bribing a man in custody $500 for Burrell’s name, even if it was a baseless claim.
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar declared her support behind creating an independent pardon panel following AP’s findings. After using Burrell’s case as proof of being “tough on crime,” Klobuchar changer her narrative to convey that it is just as important to protect the innocent as punishing the guilty.
- The independent panel reported that officers suffered from “tunnel vision” while pursuing Burrell as a suspect, all while capitalizing on evidence that supported their own agenda of convicting Burrell. Additional flaws include relying heavily on a single eyewitness who offered conflicting accounts and jailhouse informants who benefited generously for testifying.
Burrell was released from prison after serving 17 years. He has spent more than half of his life in custody.
