In 2002, Myon Burrell was jailed for life (at age 16) for the murder of an 11-year-old girl by a stray bullet. Earlier this year, after publishing new evidence supporting his claims of innocence and raising questions about the police investigation, Burrell’s case became famous, especially when Klobuchar ran for the Democratic candidacy for president. The case highlighted both Klobuchar’s record as a Hennepin County attorney and the inequalities in the juvenile criminal justice system.
Klobuchar told CNN in a statement in February, “As I said before, this case should be reviewed immediately.”
Ultimately, the Minnesota Board of Pardons announced that Burrell’s sentence has been reduced to 20 years, the rest of which will serve on supervised release. Although he was not pardoned, he was released on Tuesday evening to a crowd of relatives and supporters.
“I thank everyone who came out and supported me. Man, I can’t even explain my gratitude to all my supporters,” Burrell said, according to CNN affiliate WCCO. “I love you all. You all care and keep up the pressure, man. We’re fighting for that justice. There’s too much injustice.”
His lawyer, Kari Moriarty, also made a statement to the crowd and reporters, WCCO reported.
“Mr. Burrell wants to thank the governor and the attorney general for the action they have taken today on his behalf,” Moriarty said. “He is very happy to have the opportunity to return home with his family and begin the next chapter of his life.”
Earlier this year, Burrell pointed the finger at Klobuchar for his role in his conviction, saying he never took the time to examine the case. This came after an Associated Press investigation into the case called his conviction “defective,” prompting a number of groups, including the Minneapolis NAACP, to ask Klobuchar to suspend his campaign. .
Burrell cried when he first read the report, he told ABC News in February.
“Because all these years I’ve been here and I’ve been shouting and I’ve been telling people that I’m innocent and I’m not supposed to be here,” he said. “But my voice was never heard.”
CNN contacted Klobuchar on Wednesday to comment, but did not receive a response immediately.
CNN’s Paul LeBlanc contributed to this report.
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