A Minnesota man, Marvin Haynes, has been released from prison after serving nearly two decades for a murder conviction that has now been set aside. Haynes, who was 16 at the time of the killing, was convicted for the 2004 murder of Randy Sherer in a Minneapolis flower shop. However, recent evidence presented in court proved that Haynes’ constitutional rights were violated during his 2005 trial.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office agreed with Haynes’ claims and supported his release. Cheers erupted outside the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater as Haynes walked out, surrounded by loved ones. He expressed his gratitude to those who supported him and thanked the Great North Innocence Project for their assistance in his case.
Haynes maintained his innocence and stated that he was happy to finally be able to “correct my narrative.” Working with the Great North Innocence Project, Haynes successfully lobbied to plead his case before a Hennepin County district judge and took the stand in November.
During his trial, there was no physical evidence linking Haynes to the crime, and witnesses’ descriptions did not match his physical appearance. Additionally, several individuals who testified against him have since signed affidavits recanting their statements.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty acknowledged the harm caused by the wrongful prosecution, stating, “We cannot undo the trauma experienced by those impacted by this prosecution, but today we have taken a step toward righting this wrong.”
Haynes’ release highlights the importance of ensuring justice and protecting constitutional rights in the criminal justice system. It also raises questions about the reliability of witness testimony and the potential for wrongful convictions.
As Haynes begins to rebuild his life, his case serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to prevent and rectify wrongful convictions. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
