Imagine being accused of a crime you didn’t commit. You spend your life in prison for the crime, and then you die. Yet, after your death, others still believe in your innocence. Your reputation could be saved.
That’s something the Minnesota Supreme Court is dealing with right now. The Minnesota Innocence Project wants to reopen the case that made one man into a serial killer. The interesting thing is that the man is now dead.
The alleged serial killer spent 28 years in prison before falling ill and dying in 2015. His attorney had been attempting to get him exonerated thanks to new DNA evidence, but it was too little too late.
The judge determined that there is no live controversy, so the attorneys couldn’t see an appeal. They argued that point, though, stating that the public has a right to see the justice system acting fairly. Additionally, clearing this man’s name could help bring the real serial killer to justice.
It was 1989 when the man was found guilty for the deaths of three women. Later, DNA was discovered that may have linked those deaths to a known rapist. While the courts argue that there is no point to an appeal, clearing the man’s name could mean that his family could file a lawsuit and claim compensation.
Wrongful convictions cost people their lives, placing them behind bars when they should be with their loved ones. Strong defenses continue to work to prove your innocence, even when you’re in jail or trapped in a prison sentence. Your attorney can keep fighting to clear your name.
Source: StarTribune, “Minnesota Supreme Court considers whether dead serial killer deserves case review,” Pam Louwagie, accessed Dec. 18, 2017