A Minnesota man wrongly convicted of murder and imprisoned for nearly 27 years has been released after a woman confessed to the crime. Bryan Hooper Sr. was freed Thursday from Stillwater correctional facility, following the vacating of his first-degree murder conviction by Judge Marta Chou.
- Bryan Hooper Sr. released after 30 years.
- His conviction was based on false testimony.
- A key witness recanted and confessed to the crime.
- Prosecutors acknowledged and corrected their mistake.
- The case will undergo further investigation.
Hooper was convicted in 1998 of killing 77-year-old Ann Prazniak, based mainly on a woman’s testimony, which she later recanted. Prazniak’s body was found in her Minneapolis apartment, asphyxiated, with her death dating back two to four weeks before discovery. Hooper received three life sentences but had two charges vacated in 2020. Last month, prosecutors supported his release after the key witness recanted and confessed to the killing. The court agreed, citing false evidence that likely influenced the jury. Hooper plans to reunite with his children and settle in the Twin Cities area.
- The woman who confessed is currently imprisoned in Georgia for an unrelated assault and will be released in four years.
- Police will revisit the case to investigate new leads following Hooper’s exoneration.
- Hooper’s case underscores the importance of reviewing wrongful convictions with new evidence.
- Prosecutors acknowledged their mistake and emphasized the need for justice reform.
This case highlights ongoing issues with wrongful convictions and the importance of revisiting old cases with new evidence. It also demonstrates the potential for justice when new testimony emerges.
Hooper’s release marks a significant step toward correcting past errors and restoring faith in the legal system. Authorities will now re-investigate the case to ensure justice is fully served.
