This site should not be necessary. If the state of Missouri followed the rule of law, Christopher Dunn would have been released in September 2020 when the 25th Circuit Judge William Hickle issued an order stating that Chris meets the standards for actual innocence and that no jury would convict him now.
That didn't happen, because Missouri does not recognize proven, actual innocence for prisoners who are not sentenced to death or cannot prove that a constitutional violation occurred at their original trial. See the case law of Lincoln v. Cassady (2016).
So, Christopher Dunn remains caged, and we continue fighting to save his life. We don't have deep pockets. We don't have sponsors, high-powered connections, or a public relations team. We are ordinary people, but our fight to save an innocent man is extraordinarily important.
The Missouri Supreme Court refused to hear Chris' habeas corpus petition in August 2020, without providing a reason. The Attorney General office's reflexive opposition to the petition cynically suggested that Chris pursue the avenue provided by new Missouri Statute 547.031, knowing full well that its office would fight tooth and nail against any such effort.
Since then, Chris' legal team is focused pursuing that avenue, which would require St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner to file a motion in support of Chris' innocence.
Chris' attorney has also filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), asking whether it is cruel and unusual punishment to keep an innocent person incarcerated.
Absent a SCOTUS ruling or a timely and successful legislative effort, Ms. Gardner's support is Chris' last hope for exoneration and freedom.
Justice Rally Flyer for Christopher Dunn