Great North Innocence Project

Last week, GNIP's Wrongful Convictions Book Club met to discuss "Apostle's Cove" by William Kent Krueger. The novel mentions the Great North Innocence Project by name and follows retired detective Cork O'Connor as he investigates a possible wrongful conviction.

We were joined by Staff Attorney Anna McGinn for a primer on post-conviction litigation. Participants learned about the types of claims made by innocent people and asked questions about the uphill legal battles they face. This community of inquisitive, caring innocence advocates continues to inspire and ground us!

Visit https://www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org/get-involved/wrongful-convictions-book-club/ to learn more about our Book Club and register for our virtual author conversation with William Kent Krueger!

The Great North Innocence Project wishes our partners at the Minnesota Vikings a great first pre-season game and phenomenal season ahead!

GNIP is grateful to the Vikings Players Social Justice Committee for their generous grant in recognition of our emerging client services and support program. From hosting freed GNIP clients at their 2025 Training Camp to investing in the development of this program, we are so thankful to the Minnesota Vikings for being leading supporters of this critical work 💜🏈

Skol!

On Wednesday, August 12, a hearing was held on the Great North Innocence Project's motion for the release of client Werner Rümmer-Kunkel following the vacation of his sentence in February of this year. GNIP Legal Director Jim Mayer contended that North Dakota has not presented any argument that would justify Werner's continued incarceration.

“The amazing thing really is when you focus on the last six months, because in February of this year, after serving those three decades in prison, Werner finally got what he’d been dreaming of all this time, which is an order vindicating him,” Mayer said. “Yet there he sits in his orange jumpsuit, still incarcerated.” He later added, "I don't think the state has any choice but to act."

District Judge Theodore Sandberg ordered that Werner be released on bond to family living in Devils Lake, subject to electronic monitoring, while awaiting a ruling from the State Supreme Court in the state's appeal regarding the overturning of his conviction.

Before Werner was able to be released on Thursday morning, he was taken into federal custody on an ICE detainer. Werner is a German citizen and has lived in the United States since his childhood.

Our team is working alongside Werner to pursue every avenue to secure his freedom. His continued resilience and optimism are nothing short of incredible. We invite our GNIP community to rally around Werner by sharing and supporting our GoFundMe campaign on his behalf: https://gofund.me/50268a912

🌟Calling all business owners, artisans, and community connectors!🌟 The Great North Innocence Project is excited to invite you to support innocent people by making an in-kind donation to our Benefit for Innocence: True North silent auction.

Proceeds from our silent auction directly fund pro-bono legal services for wrongfully convicted, innocent people. Your generous donation of gift cards, products, services, or unique experiences will be showcased to 350+ in-person guests, including legal professionals and community leaders, and acknowledged in event materials.

Ready to light the path to freedom with an in-kind donation? Contact [email protected] with any questions or to coordinate your donation!

As a wayfinder and founding partner of the Great North Innocence Project, Thomson Reuters has been a committed sponsor since our very first Innocence Ball in 2002. We are honored to have their continued support as an Advocate Sponsor at this year's Benefit for Innocence: True North 🧭

We look forward to honoring our wayfinders and guiding stars and illuminating the path ahead at the Nicollet Island Pavilion on September 23!

🌟Honor 25 years of freeing innocent people and preventing wrongful convictions with the Great North Innocence Project by reflecting on the stories of our freed clients.

On January 13, 2023, Thomas Rhodes was released from Moose Lake Correctional Facility after spending nearly 25 years in prison for a crime that never occurred. Thank you to the many incredible pro bono partners who helped bring Thomas home!

Please join the Great North Innocence Project in wishing exoneree Cassandra Black Elk a happy birthday! 🥳

Cassi, your incredible strength and love continue to amaze us. We hope this is your best year yet! 💙

🧭Light the path to freedom at this year's Benefit for Innocence: True North.

Join us on Wednesday, September 23 at Nicollet Island Pavilion to celebrate 25 years of impact, honor the founding Wayfinders and Guiding Stars whose vision and support have helped chart our course, and look ahead to the work still needed to ensure every innocent person has the opportunity to find their way home.

🔗Save $25 off tickets through August 31. Get your tickets now at https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/gnip/tickets/truenorth?p=individual

Highlights:
🌟Celebrating GNIP's 25 years of impact
🌟Featuring GNIP exoneree Robert "Bobby" Bintz
🌟Live music, including a special musical guest

The next meeting of GNIP's Wrongful Convictions Book Club is coming up on August 11!

Join GNIP at Minneapolis Cider Co. for a conversation about "Apostle's Cove" by Minnesota-based author William Kent Krueger. Our book discussion will be followed by a presentation on post-conviction litigation to address the question, “If Cork successfully proves Axel is innocent – what next?”

Whether you’ve read every page or just want to listen and learn, you’re welcome to join!

GNIP client Jennifer Baldwin's evidentiary hearing began last week after the Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed the initial denial of post-conviction relief. The hearing focuses on the alleged false medical evidence presented at her original trial.

GNIP, working with pro bono partners at Fish & Richardson P.C. (pictured accepting the award for GNIP Pro Bono Champions of the Year at the 2024 Benefit for Innocence), has presented testimony from five medical experts. Two additional witnesses will testify in late August.

This hearing represents an important opportunity in our continued fight for justice for Jennifer 💙