Christopher Dunn, a man from Missouri who served over three decades in prison for a crime he denies committing, is waiting for St. Louis judge to decide his fate. Dunn was charged with first-degree murder in 1990 for shooting 15-year-old Ricco Rogers. The decision the judge makes could significantly impact his future.

The Initial Verdict and Recent Updates

The primary evidence used to convict Dunn was testimonies from DeMorris Stepp and Michael Davis Jr., who were minors at the time of the trial. They initially testified that they had seen Dunn commit the murder, but as adults, they have withdrawn their statements. Gabe Gore, the Circuit Attorney of St. Louis and firmly believes that Dunn innocent, has asked Judge Jason Sengheiser to reconsider these recent developments during a hearing that took place last Wednesday.

“There is no evidence left in this case,” said Gore as reported by the St. Louis Post Dispatch. He declared that clear and compelling proof of Dunn’s innocence meant that his conviction should be quashed.

Disagreements and Backing

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office went against Gore’s call for overturning Dunn’s conviction despite new findings supporting his innocence claim. Assistant Attorney General Tristin Estep believed that Stepp’s and Davis’ original testimonies were correct even though they have withdrawn their statements since then. Estep maintained, “That verdict was accurate, we must uphold it.”

Sides will now present written arguments to Judge Sengheiser who will assess all evidence and testimonies prior to deciding on this case. The date when this decision will be announced remains unknown.

A Long Quest for Justice

Cases like Dunn’s are not unheard of. A Missouri law passed in 2021 now permits prosecutors to seek hearings for those believed to be wrongfully convicted. This law has led to the release of two men who spent considerable time in prison, Lamar Johnson, out after 28 years and Kevin Strickland, freed in 2021 after spending over 40 years imprisoned.

Dunn’s conviction originally hinged on Stepp’s and Davis’ testimonies as they identified Dunn as the shooter shortly after the crime happened. Both have since rescinded their statements, claiming gang related fears and coercion forced them into making false accusations. In a recorded interview played in court, Davis admitted he lied due to his belief that Dunn was linked with an enemy gang.

Questionable Witnesses and New Evidence

Gore underscored the doubt surrounding Stepp’s reliability as a witness, pointing out that another judge had previously dismissed him as utterly unreliable. Over the years, Stepp has changed his account multiple times, with his latest statement denying seeing Dunn as the shooter.

Dunn insists he was at his mother’s house during the shooting incident. Nicole Bailey, a childhood friend of his confirmed this alibi by stating she was talking to him over phone during that time.

State’s Defense

Assistant Attorney General Estep contested Dunn’s alibi mentioning that his story has varied over time. He stated, “The best defense for an innocent man is truth”, suggesting all we heard from Christopher Dunn were lies since he never provided accounts of where he actually was on that night.”

Despite these conflicting testimonies Gore maintained there is no credible evidence positioning Dunn at the crime scene. He stressed “Without substantial evidence no sensible jury can pronounce guilty verdict”.

This was not the first revisit of Dunn’s case. Judge William Hickle found suggestive evidence about Dunn’s likely innocence during a 2020 evidentiary hearing but a 2016 Missouri Supreme Court rule restricting this claim to death row inmates left him unable to free Dunn. A law passed in 2021 now paves way for broader innocence claims, providing Dunn with another chance.

Influences on Life and Looking Towards the Future

Dunn’s wife, Kira, has been adamantly advocating for him. She got introduced to him while writing an article and later on married him inside the prison. Speaking to the News she mentioned “We are experiencing some happiness here and there”, but knowing how abruptly joy can turn into disappointment makes her reticent about getting hopeful or so happy yet.”

During the recent hearing, Dunn’s lawyers wanted Judge Sengheiser to acknowledge Dunn’s true innocence and repeal his wrongful conviction.

The Decision Looms

Christopher Dunn who from the beginning claimed his innocence. When asked in 2022 “Are you wary that you might pass away before being able to be cleared?”, he responded “Honestly… Yes”, adding that if he did die before being cleared, no one would ever learn of what actually happened.

Now it is up to Judge Sengheiser, who after reviewing all the evidence and testimonies will decide whether Christopher will finally be vindicated. While hope for justice endures among supporters of Christopher, what happens next remains a mystery.