In 2002, Myon Burrell – at the age of 16 – was sentenced to life for the murder of an 11-year-old girl by a stray bullet. Earlier this year, after new evidence was released in support of his claims of innocence and raised questions about the police investigation, Burrell’s case received a lot of attention – especially as Klobuchar competed for the Democratic nomination as president. The case shed a spotlight on both Klobuchar’s track record as the Hennepin County attorney and the inequalities of the juvenile justice system.
Klobuchar told CNN in a statement in February, “As I have said before, this case needs to be reviewed immediately.”
Ultimately, the Minnesota Board of Pardons announced that Burrell’s sentence has been reduced to 20 years, the remainder of which he will serve under supervision. Although he was not pardoned, he was released on Tuesday night before a crowd of family and supporters.
“I thank everyone who came out and supported me. Man, I can’t even express my gratitude to all of my supporters,” said Burrell, according to CNN affiliate WCCO. ‘I love you, you all worry and you keep pushing, man. We fight for this justice. There is too much injustice going on. ‘
His attorney, Kari Moriarty, also made a statement to the crowd and reporters, WCCO reported.
“Mr. Burrell would like to thank the governor and attorney general for the action they took on his behalf today,” said Moriarty. “He is very happy to have the opportunity to come home to his family and start the next chapter of his life.”
Earlier this year, Burrell pointed a finger at Klobuchar for her role in his conviction, claiming she never took the time to investigate the matter. This was after an Associated Press investigation into the case labeled his conviction “flawed,” prompting numerous groups, including the Minneapolis NAACP, to call on Klobuchar to suspend its campaign.
Burrell cried when he first read the report, he told ABC News in February.
“Because I’ve been here all these years and I’ve been screaming and telling people that I’m innocent and I shouldn’t be here,” he said. “But my voice has never been heard.”
CNN reached out to Klobuchar for comment on Wednesday, but did not receive an immediate response.
