One year ago, Marvin Haynes walked out of the Stillwater Correctional Facility a free man, his wrongful conviction vacated after nearly 20 years behind bars. The journey that led to his exoneration is a powerful reminder of the importance of justice, the impact of systemic flaws, and the power of perseverance. Haynes' case continues to resonate, not only because of his personal fight for freedom but also for the changes his exoneration has sparked within the state of Minnesota.
Marvin Haynes was just 16 years old when his life was turned upside down. On May 19, 2004, Haynes was arrested for the murder of Randy Sherer during a robbery at Jerry's Flower Shop in Minneapolis. His arrest was based solely on eyewitness testimony, with no physical evidence linking him to the crime. Despite maintaining his innocence, Haynes was convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree assault on September 2, 2005.
The Minnesota Supreme Court upheld Haynes' conviction on January 4, 2007, despite his persistent claims of innocence. For years, Haynes fought from within the prison system, seeking justice for a crime he did not commit.
In June 2023, a new chapter began. Haynes, alongside the Great North Innocence Project, filed a petition to have his conviction vacated, citing "defective eyewitness identification evidence." This led to an unprecedented move in the legal system: Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty waived the statute of limitations, allowing for a full evidentiary review.
The hearing in November 2023 revealed disturbing truths about the investigation. Testimonies from the lead investigator exposed how Minneapolis Police had relied heavily on faulty line-up procedures, which ultimately led to Haynes' wrongful conviction. On November 28, 2023, Haynes himself took the stand, affirming his innocence before the judge.
On December 11, 2023, Judge William Koch vacated Haynes' conviction, ruling that the eyewitness testimony used against him was unconstitutional. That same day, Marvin Haynes walked out of prison, a free man after nearly 20 years of wrongful imprisonment.
But Haynes' story did not end with his release. His exoneration set the stage for significant legislative changes in Minnesota.
In May 2024, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed new legislation that would prevent law enforcement from using deceptive tactics when interrogating juveniles, including lying about evidence. Additionally, the statute of limitations for post-conviction relief was lifted when new evidence is discovered, directly inspired by Haynes' case.
These changes are monumental, marking a significant shift in how the state of Minnesota handles wrongful convictions and the treatment of juveniles within the criminal justice system.
Haynes' fight for justice is ongoing. On November 7, 2024, he filed a petition seeking nearly $2 million in compensation for the damages he endured as a result of his wrongful conviction. His case continues to challenge the system, ensuring that those who suffer from injustices like his are not forgotten.
Haynes' incredible journey is chronicled in the documentary, "I Am Innocent: The Marvin Haynes Story", which will air on Sunday, December 15, at 9:30 p.m. on FOX 9, FOX LOCAL, and YouTube. This compelling documentary showcases Haynes' arrest, conviction, and ultimate exoneration, featuring video evidence, expert testimony, and interviews with those involved in his case.
Don't miss the chance to witness a powerful story of justice and redemption -- tune in this Sunday.
Marvin Haynes' exoneration is not only a personal victory but a crucial turning point in the fight for criminal justice reform. His journey serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice is not just about individual cases -- it is about fighting for a system that holds itself accountable and makes necessary changes for the future.