Introduction to the Case

A man wrongly convicted of murder who spent nearly three decades in prison after being falsely implicated by a woman who has since confessed to the crime was released Thursday from a Minnesota prison.

Background of the Conviction

The day before, state District Court Judge Marta Chou had vacated Bryan Hooper Sr.’s first-degree murder conviction. He was released Thursday morning from Stillwater Correctional Facility, a Great North Innocence Project spokesperson said.

Reaction from Authorities

“Today, the courts have affirmed what Bryan Hooper, his family, his loved ones, and his advocates have always known: Mr. Hooper is an innocent man,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement. “It is our duty as prosecutors to hold the correct individuals responsible for their actions, and that duty demands that we acknowledge our mistakes and make things right as quickly as we can."

Life After Release

Hooper reunited with his children and planned to enjoy a meal with them and spend time with family, Project spokesperson Hayley Poxleitner said. He plans to make his home for now in the Twin Cities area, where his children live.

Details of the Crime

In 1998, a jury convicted Hooper of premeditated murder, felony murder while committing burglary and felony murder while committing kidnapping in connection with the death of 77-year-old Ann Prazniak. His conviction hinged largely on testimony from a woman who authorities say has since confessed to the crime.

Investigation and Evidence

Police found Prazniak’s body in April 1998 in a cardboard box wrapped with Christmas lights in a closet in her Minneapolis apartment — her ankles, nose, mouth, wrists and head bound and her body wrapped in garbage bags, blankets and bedding. Her cause of death was ruled asphyxiation, and she died two weeks to a month before police found her body, according to court documents.

The Road to Exoneration

Hooper received three life sentences with the possibility of release after 30 years. In 2020, a judge granted his request to vacate two of three first-degree murder charges after he argued he was wrongly convicted and sentenced for three counts of first-degree murder against the same person.

New Developments

Last month, Moriarty announced her office’s support of Hooper’s release, saying a crucial trial witness had recanted her testimony against Hooper amid the office’s review of the case and confessed to killing Prazniak and hiding her body. Moriarty’s office and the Great North Innocence Project asked the court to vacate Hooper’s conviction.

Court Ruling

The judge wrote, “The Court finds that Mr. Hooper’s conviction was tainted by false evidence and that without this false testimony, the jury might have reached a different conclusion.”

Future Steps

It wasn’t immediately clear when or whether the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office plans to prosecute the woman who officials said confessed to the killing. She is in prison in Georgia for an assault-related crime and will be released in about four years.

Conclusion

The release of Bryan Hooper Sr. after 27 years in prison marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and the fight against wrongful convictions. His case highlights the importance of diligent review and the need for prosecutors to acknowledge and rectify mistakes.

FAQs

• Q: How long was Bryan Hooper Sr. in prison?
  A: He spent nearly three decades in prison.
• Q: Why was his conviction vacated?
  A: His conviction was vacated due to false testimony from a crucial trial witness who has since confessed to the crime.
• Q: What are the plans for the woman who confessed to the killing?
  A: It is not immediately clear if or when she will be prosecuted for the crime, as she is currently serving time in Georgia for an unrelated assault charge.