Key witness confesses to womans 1998 murder for which Minnesota man is serving life in prison

Bryan Hooper, who has been imprisoned for nearly three decades for the 1998 murder of Ann Prazniak, could soon be exonerated following a shocking confession from Chalaka Lewis, the key witness in his trial. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced plans to vacate Hooper's conviction, stating her office can no longer back the original decision. Lewis, currently in a Georgia prison, admitted to lying during the trial and confessed to committing the murder, which had left Prazniak's body hidden for two weeks. DNA evidence had previously shown Lewis' fingerprints on the packaging tape used in the crime, while no evidence linked Hooper to the murder. Briana Hooper, Bryan's daughter, praised the efforts to seek justice after so many years, declaring her father's innocence.

The case has gained attention due to the long-standing implications of wrongful conviction and the need for judicial integrity. As the Hennepin County Attorney's Office reviews the case, they will address the petition to vacate Hooper's conviction before considering any potential charges against Lewis. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the reliability of eyewitness testimony in criminal prosecutions.