US EditionFate of convicted murderer seeking freedom goes before pardons board
The Minnesota Pardons Board granted commutation after new forensic evidence and witness recantations raised doubts about a 26-year-old murder conviction.
- On Wednesday, September 24, 2024, Brian Pippitt's sentence for a 1998 Aitkin County murder was reduced following a decision by Minnesota's Board of Pardons.
- The commutation followed a 2024 recommendation from the Attorney General's Conviction Review Unit, which cited insurmountable reasonable doubt about Pippitt's guilt after an extensive investigation.
- In 2001, Brian Pippitt was found guilty of murdering 84-year-old Evelyn Malin, whose residence was unlawfully entered through a basement window and exited via the front door during the crime.
- The 118-page Conviction Review report found the prosecution's theory implausible and noted key evidence was overlooked, while Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said, "I am glad Mr. Pippitt's sentence was commuted today."
- The commutation could lead to Pippitt's release, though it does not erase his conviction, and the decision highlights ongoing efforts to correct wrongful convictions in Minnesota.
18 Articles
18 Articles
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Minnesota Board of Pardons commutes prison sentence of McGregor man
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Board of Pardons voted to commute the sentence of Brian Pippitt, who spent over two decades in prison following a conviction of first-degree murder in 2001. Pippitt was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder for the 1998 death of Evelyn Malin, a beloved 84-year-old storekeeper in Aitkin County. He was one of several people charged in the murder case. The Board voted Wednesday, Sept. 24, to commute Pippitt’s sen…
Minnesota Board of Pardons commutes sentence from 1998 Aitkin County murder
SAINT PAUL, Min. – Minnesota Board of Pardons voted to commute the sentence of Brian Pippitt, who spent over two decades in prison following a conviction of first-degree murder in 2001. The Board voted to commute Pippitt’s sentence based on good behavior in prison and the length of time Pippitt served in prison compared to his codefendants. In 2024 there was a recommendation from the Conviction Review Unit (CRU) of the Minnesota Attorney General…
Board of Pardons commutes prison sentence of McGregor man
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Board of Pardons voted to commute the sentence of Brian Pippitt, who spent over two decades in prison following a conviction of first-degree murder in 2001. Pippitt was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder for the 1998 death of Evelyn Malin, a beloved 84-year-old storekeeper in Aitkin County. He was one of several people charged in the murder case. The Board voted Wednesday, Sept. 24, to commute Pippitt’s sen…
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