Minnesota Attorney General's Office Overturns Wrongful Murder Conviction
- A Minneapolis man, Barrientos-Quintana, was wrongfully convicted of murder in 2009 and served a life sentence.
- The Minnesota Attorney General's Office's Conviction Review Unit found credible evidence that proved his innocence and recommended reversing the conviction.
- Charges against Barrientos-Quintana were dropped, highlighting the importance of addressing wrongful convictions and ensuring justice.
In November 2024, a judge overturned the murder conviction of a Minneapolis man, resolving a case that had perplexed the legal system for 16 years. Barrientos-Quintana had been serving a life sentence without parole following his conviction in 2009 for the murder of Jesse Mickelson, who was shot in October 2008. The Minnesota Attorney General's Office conducted a thorough investigation through its Conviction Review Unit, revealing serious issues with the original trial. The unit discovered that crucial evidence, including phone records and surveillance footage, confirming Barrientos-Quintana's alibi, was not presented during his trial. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office ultimately agreed to drop charges against him, acknowledging that the conviction was based on flawed eyewitness testimony. This decision came after the Minnesota Attorney General's Office recommended that the conviction be reversed, highlighting the importance of reevaluating wrongful convictions. Attorney General Keith Ellison emphasized the significance of reviewing such cases impartially to correct injustices. With the judge’s decision, Barrientos-Quintana regained his freedom, raising complex emotions surrounding the long-standing loss of life due to violence. The case has brought renewed attention to wrongful convictions and the critical role of evidence in securing justice. The Attorney General's Office plans to address the public further on this matter, underscoring a commitment to transparency and justice. The community continues to mourn Jesse Mickelson, with his family still seeking closure amidst the chaos of a flawed judicial process.