Truth Revealed Cassi took it upon herself to try and get the autopsy report. She contacted the medical examiner’s office and requested the results be sent to her at the prison. To her shock, she actually received them. “I got the autopsy report the last week of July. I didn’t read it at first; I…
Read MoreThe Cassandra Black Elk Story: Part 2
In October 2023, Cassandra Black Elk was exonerated after being wrongfully convicted in the death of her infant daughter, StarLight Black Elk. After losing her child to an unexplained, sudden infant death (formerly known as “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” or “SIDS”); a year of unjust incarceration; forced separation from her other two young children; and…
Read MoreThe Cassandra Black Elk Story: Part 1
In October 2023, Cassandra Black Elk was exonerated after being wrongfully convicted in the death of her infant daughter, StarLight Black Elk. After losing her child to an unexplained, sudden infant death (formerly known as “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” or “SIDS”); a year of unjust incarceration; forced separation from her other two young children; and…
Read MoreSentence commuted in case of man who Minnesota Conviction Review Unit determined is innocent
Today, Centurion Ministries d/b/a Centurion and the Great North Innocence Project (GNIP) announced that the Minnesota Pardon Board voted to commute the sentence of their client, Brian Pippitt, clearing the way for his release from prison after 26 years of incarceration.
Read MoreBryan Hooper, Sr. exonerated after spending 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and the Great North Innocence Project (GNIP) announced Thursday that Bryan Hooper, Sr. has been exonerated and is expected to be released from Stillwater Correctional Facility today. In her decision vacating the conviction, Judge Marta Chou found that “Mr. Hooper’s conviction was tainted by false evidence and that without this…
Read MoreGreat North Innocence Project client pardoned, exonerated 18 years after release from prison
Today, the Great North Innocence Project (GNIP) announced that its first-ever client, Sherman Townsend, received a full pardon on the basis of innocence for his 1998 conviction of first-degree burglary. The Pardon Board voted unanimously to grant Mr. Townsend’s pardon request.
Read MoreWrongfully Convicted, Rightfully Reunited: A Father & Daughter’s Story
Wrongful convictions are, of course, devastating for the individual who is wrongfully incarcerated. A wrongfully convicted person loses their freedom, time with loved ones, and the opportunity to build up savings. They miss out on holidays, funerals, and the chance to build a career. Some lose out on the opportunity to have children. Others have…
Read MoreRobert Kaiser Acquitted of All Charges After Retrial
Today the Great North Innocence Project (GNIP) announced that their client, Robert Kaiser, was acquitted of all charges after being retried for murder in Stearns County.
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Jodi Soucek
Jodi Soucek is a paralegal at Fish & Richardson, and a part of the pro bono team working with GNIP on the case of innocent, incarcerated client, Jennifer Baldwin. She provides critical legal support to the entire team as they together pursue justice for Jennifer, who has been wrongfully incarcerated since 2019. Great North Innocence…
Read MoreGreat North Innocence Project client’s convictions vacated after 16 years of wrongful incarceration
Today, the Great North Innocence Project (GNIP) announced that its client Edgar Barrientos-Quintana’s convictions have been vacated. Mr. Barrientos-Quintana was convicted of murder and attempted murder in the tragic death of teenager Jesse Mickelson in Hennepin County and sentenced to life without parole in May 2009. In his decision, Judge John McBride found that defense…
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