Midwest Innocence Project

You met some of our team last week. Now it's time to meet the rest.

Behind every case are people working to uncover the truth, support clients, build community, and keep this mission moving forward.

Before any of that, we were just kids.

Here's Part 2 of the people behind the Midwest Innocence Project.

What can $25 do?

For 25 years, the Midwest Innocence Project has worked to correct and prevent wrongful convictions across the Midwest. The work continues because people continue showing up.

New requests for help arrive every day. Investigations continue. Legal teams keep fighting. Freed individuals continue rebuilding their lives after years of wrongful incarceration.

We're inviting supporters to join Partners for Innocence with a monthly gift of $25. Consistent support helps sustain investigations, litigation, and post-release services throughout the year.

$25 for the next 25 years.

Learn more and join us today: https://buff.ly/ebPepKM

The Midwest Innocence Project is made up of people who review records, support clients, tell stories, solve problems, and fight for freedom.

But before any of that, we were just kids.

Here's a look at some of the people behind the work and the mission that brings us together.

Come back next week for Part 2!

KC friends, the World Cup is coming, and found a pretty fun way to celebrate it.

They've created a limited-edition World Cup pint glass, and a portion of every purchase supports the Midwest Innocence Project.

Grab yours while they're around!

We join the Kansas City community in mourning the passing of William H. Dunn Sr. Mr. Dunn's leadership, generosity, and commitment to making Kansas City stronger touched countless organizations and lives. We are grateful for the support he and the JE Dunn family extended to the Midwest Innocence Project.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone at JE Dunn during this time.

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Mr. William H. Dunn Sr.

Mr. Dunn, whose leadership of JE Dunn Construction spanned more than seven decades and whose legacy is defined by extraordinary generosity, passed away on Sunday, May 31. A philanthropist, mentor, leader, and more, we are eternally grateful for his passion and commitment to JE Dunn Construction and the entire Kansas City community.

https://jedne.ws/RememberingMrDunn

What can $25 do?

For 25 years, the Midwest Innocence Project has worked to correct and prevent wrongful convictions across the Midwest. The work continues because people continue showing up.

New requests for help arrive every day. Investigations continue. Legal teams keep fighting. Freed individuals continue rebuilding their lives after years of wrongful incarceration.

We're inviting supporters to join Partners for Innocence with a monthly gift of $25. Consistent support helps sustain investigations, litigation, and post-release services throughout the year.

$25 for the next 25 years.

Learn more and join us today: https://themip.org/partners-for-innocence/

This spring brought the kind of news we don't get to share often enough.

A Kansas court ruled in favor of MIP client Les McKinney, ensuring he will finally receive a full and fair hearing on his claims. Christopher Dunn's exoneration was also upheld by the Missouri Court of Appeals, affirming what Chris and his legal team have maintained for decades: he is innocent.

These moments don't happen overnight. They are the result of years of investigation, litigation, advocacy, and people who continue to believe that truth matters.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue working to correct and prevent wrongful convictions across the Midwest.

Support Les here: https://buff.ly/z0WLJgE
Support Chris here: https://buff.ly/BTggRsW

Today, the Missouri Eastern District Court of Appeals affirmed the St. Louis Circuit Court’s 2024 decision exonerating Christopher Dunn.

This morning’s opinion reinforces what has long been clear: Chris is innocent, and his conviction could not stand. After more than 34 years of wrongful imprisonment, Chris remains where he belongs – home with his family and loved ones.

We are thankful for the continued work of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore and special prosecutors Judge Booker Shaw, Rachael Moore, and Layla Husen of Thompson Coburn LLP.

Christopher Dunn is represented by Rachel Wester of the Midwest Innocence Project, Jonathan Potts and Isabel Guariglia of Bryan Cave Leighton Paiser, and Justin Bonus. The Midwest Innocence Project team includes investigator Blair Johnson, paralegal Leigh Ann Carroll, and social worker Courtney Ellis.