Minnesota Man Freed After 16 Years for Murder He Didn’t Commit: Case Highlights Flaws in Justice System
Edgar Barrientos-Quintana, wrongfully convicted of murder in 2009 and sentenced to life in prison, has finally been released after 16 years. A conviction review unit found the prosecution had withheld exculpatory evidence, including unreliable eyewitness testimony and a flawed photo lineup, and that Barrientos-Quintana’s defense attorneys failed to properly represent him. Judge John McBride vacated the conviction, citing a lack of a fair trial, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office dismissed all charges. While nothing can compensate for the lost years, Barrientos-Quintana, his family, and his legal team are overjoyed at his release and hope for a brighter future.
John Q. Hosedrinker