A Missouri Supreme Court decision allowing State Attorney General Andrew Bailey to appeal the exoneration of Christopher Dunn sparked outrage among advocates for criminal justice reform. Dunn, who was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 34 years, was exonerated by St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser. The judge determined that the evidence presented constituted a “clear and convincing case of actual innocence.”

Christopher Dunn asked, “How many times will Missouri taxpayers be forced to foot the bill for the Attorney General’s senseless refusal to admit judicial mistakes?”

The Attorney General’s office has consistently obstructed efforts to correct wrongful convictions. This includes blocking Sandra Hemme’s release after 43 years of wrongful incarceration. Hemme is the longest wrongfully convicted woman in U.S. history. The Missouri justice system is robbing the wrongfully convicted of lost years and wasting taxpayers’ dollars when it blocks the victims’ right to freedom.

A spotlight was shone on the AG’s despicable practice when now-exonerated Joe Amrine appealed his case to the Missouri Supreme Court in 2003. When the court presented the overwhelming evidence towards innocence and inquired whether Amrine should still be executed, then Assistant Attorney General Frank Jung replied without hesitation, “That’s correct, your honor.” His response reverberated around the world.

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, there have been 56 people exonerated in Missouri since 1989. We believe there are hundreds more languishing in Missouri prisons who face unnecessary legal obstacles to their freedom.