Great North Innocence Project

10/12/2026

Today is , a day to honor the history, culture, and rich contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples. The Great North Innocence Project is proud to represent two incredible Indigenous people who were wrongfully convicted.

Cassandra Black Elk is an enrolled citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux and was exonerated in 2023. Brian Pippitt is an enrolled citizen of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and was freed in early 2026. GNIP continues to partner with Centurion to fully clear Brian's name.

"I always tell my kids that you’re Lakota. By your last name, everyone will know you’re Native. Be proud of it." -Cassi 💙

10/11/2026

Did you know that prior to 2024, law enforcement in Minnesota was legally permitted to lie to juveniles during interrogations about evidence and promises of leniency?

The Great North Innocence Project advocated for a statute, passed in 2024, stating that if law enforcement lies to juveniles during interrogation, any subsequent admission, confession, or statement is presumed inadmissible. This policy provides safeguards against law enforcement lying to juveniles along with an amendment to a post-conviction statute to prevent future injustices similar to the case of exoneree Marvin Haynes.

GNIP continues to advocate for policies that protect against deceptive interrogation tactics, creating a more just criminal legal system for all ⚖️

10/09/2026

This month, GNIP visited University of St. Thomas School of Law and Mitchell Hamline School of Law to share about our work in honor of ! GNIP attorney Baylea Kannmacher co-presented with exonerees Marvin Haynes and Bryan Hooper, Sr. to discuss GNIP's mission, wrongful convictions, and Marvin's and Bryan's journeys to exoneration and freedom.

Thank you to MJF St. Thomas School of Law Chapter, National Lawyers Guild UST Chapter, Criminal Law Association UST Chapter, and Minnesota Justice Foundation Mitchell Hamline Chapter for hosting us, to every student who showed up to learn more about wrongful convictions, and to Marvin and Bryan for sharing your stories.

10/06/2026

Join the Great North Innocence Project for two conversations this fall about "FREE: My Search for Meaning" by exoneree Amanda Knox.

FREE: My Search for Meaning is Amanda Knox’s memoir about her life after wrongful imprisonment in Italy. FREE recounts how Knox survived prison, the mistakes she made and misadventures she had reintegrating into society, and culminates in the untold story of her return to Italy and the extraordinary relationship she’s built with the man who sent her to prison.

Visit https://www.greatnorthinnocenceproject.org/get-involved/wrongful-convictions-book-club/ to learn more about GNIP's Wrongful Convictions Book Club, RSVP, and access the book!

10/02/2026

Nineteen years ago today, on October 2, 2007, Sherman Townsend was released after spending 10 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Sherman was the first client for whom GNIP successfully won freedom. In 2025, GNIP was finally able to secure Sherman's full exoneration.

Last Wednesday, Sherman treated Benefit for Innocence: True North guests to a moving performance of "People Get Ready". Thank you for sharing your incredible voice with us, Sherman! 🌟

10/02/2026

Today is the 13th Annual , a day to raise awareness of the causes and remedies of wrongful conviction and to recognize the impacts on innocent people and their families.

Wrongful convictions are not accidents – they’re symptoms of a broken criminal legal system. These are the leading causes that result in people being incarcerated for crimes they did not commit:
👤Eyewitness Misidentification
🗣️False Confession
💼Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
🧬Misapplication of Forensic Science or Junk Science
👮Official Misconduct
🧑‍⚖️Unreliable Informants

Swipe right to learn more about each one.
Awareness. Reform. Impact

10/01/2026

🌟Honor 25 years of freeing innocent people and preventing wrongful convictions with the Great North Innocence Project by reflecting on the stories of our freed clients.

On December 11, 2023, Marvin Haynes was exonerated after spending nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

“I just want people to know that I am innocent. I was innocent from the very beginning. And I’m just happy that people recognize it and understand my story. I am proud that people know my name and know my story.” -Marvin Haynes

09/26/2026

Two years ago today, on September 26, 2024, Bobby Bintz and his brother David were released from prison after serving over 25 years for a crime they didn't commit. Bobby was greeted by GNIP Legal Director Jim Mayer, Chestnut Cambronne pro bono partners Chris Renz and Jacklyn Heckman, and his favorite snacks.

On Wednesday, GNIP honored Bobby at our 2026 Benefit for Innocence. We continue to be inspired by Bobby's indomitable spirit and are humbled by the hope, trust, and love he has for our team.

Thank you to Chestnut Cambronne PA for partnering with GNIP to represent Bobby, to the team at Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center for working with us to find the true perpetrator, and to Jarrett Adams for representing the Bintz brothers as they pursue compensation for their years of unjust incarceration.

Watch Bobby's story now:

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09/25/2026

One year ago today, on September 24, 2025, the Minnesota Board of Pardons voted to commute Brian Pippitt's sentence. Brian was released in January 2026 after serving over 26 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Last night, the Great North community welcomed Brian to his first Benefit for Innocence 🌟

GNIP and Centurion - Freedom for the Innocent continue to fight alongside Brian to secure his full exoneration. We look forward to the day that we can celebrate Brian with his name fully cleared 💙