In a significant turn of events, Marvin Haynes, a Minnesota man who spent close to 20 years behind bars for a wrongful murder conviction, was released from a Minneapolis prison on Monday. The announcement of his freedom came after the Hennepin County Attorney's Office acknowledged that his right to due process had been violated.

Haynes, now 35 years old, was just 16 when he was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2004 shooting of 55-year-old Randy Sherer at a Minneapolis flower shop. The case heavily relied on eyewitness evidence, with one witness later admitting that they never had a clear view of the suspect, while another recanted their testimony.

Following a review of the case brought forth by the Great North Innocence Project, Haynes' conviction was vacated after a November hearing. The project's news release stated that Haynes' attorneys presented evidence showing that the identification procedures used during his conviction were inconsistent with best practices and unnecessarily suggestive.

Expressing his gratitude, Haynes stated, "I want to thank the Great North Innocence Project, Julie Jonas, my family and friends, and everyone who supported me through this long journey."

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty echoed the sentiment, referring to Haynes' prosecution as "a terrible injustice" in a news release. She cited the absence of forensic evidence such as fingerprints or DNA, the lack of video connecting Haynes to the crime, and the fact that the murder weapon was never recovered.

Moriarty acknowledged the harm inflicted on Haynes and his family, as well as on the victim's family and the community. While recognizing that the trauma experienced by those impacted cannot be undone, she stated, "today we have taken a step toward righting this wrong."

The county attorney also personally addressed Haynes in an apology, noting the missed opportunities he faced due to his wrongful conviction. "You lost the opportunity to graduate from high school, attend prom, have relationships, attend weddings and funerals, and be with your family during holidays. For that, I am so deeply sorry," Moriarty expressed.

Haynes' release marks the end of a long and painful ordeal, highlighting the importance of thorough examination of evidence and ensuring the protection of individuals' rights within the criminal justice system.