Bryan Hooper pleads for freedom during first chance at parole

Bryan Hooper Sr. was sentenced to life in prison 27 years ago for the murder of a 77-year-old woman in Minneapolis, a crime he maintains he did not commit. “I've done this time with strength, and I'm willing to take the necessary steps to transition back into society where I belong,” Bryan said on Tuesday during his first parole hearing.

Family and supporters of the family sobbed, listened and hugged as he pleaded for parole.

“It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to have your life taken, to be labeled something you’re not and to serve time for somebody else's crime. But despite the injustice of my conviction, I have done the time,” said Bryan. “Today, I'm asking for the opportunity to go home – not because I want to escape responsibility – but because I have already served enough time for something I did not do. I would like to reunite with my mom, my children, my granddaughter, and be the son, father, and grandfather that they deserve.”

After the brief hearing and questioning by the board, Bryan’s request was denied. Instead, they passed a motion to move him from Stillwater to a medium security prison where he can participate in programs. Bryan specifically asked to go to Lino Lakes, the site of a Prison Fellowship Academy (PFA), a faith-based program funded and operated by Prison Fellowship through a partnership with the DOC.

The board will ultimately decide where he goes.

“Justice for Bryan Hooper”

Byan’s daughter Bri’ana has been advocating for her father's release, especially in recent years as they were advised to pursue parole following a failed appeal. She was just five years old when Bryan was locked up. “I’m here to share what actually happened to him, how he was railroaded into being accused of this murder,” she stated. “They stole him from his family.”

Outside the Department of Corrections, ahead of the hearing on Tuesday, Bri'ana held space for prayer and community. They chanted “Free Bryan Hooper,” and “Justice for Bryan Hooper.” Bri’ana has been vocal, saying her father’s conviction was based on coerced testimonies and lack of physical evidence.

“The evidence doesn't support the conviction of an innocent man. None of us could imagine spending even a moment in prison for a crime that we didn't commit and my father has a life sentence for one.”

Back in 1998, several witnesses claimed Hooper admitted to killing the woman. Since then, multiple witnesses have recanted their stories, but Hooper has remained behind bars.

“I will say this because it's public knowledge, [investigators] have a fingerprint for my father within the location. However, there were multiple people in the location, and the people who committed the crime, their fingerprints are all over the stuff that was used to harm the elderly woman. So the evidence is there. It just doesn't point to my father.”

Moving forward

Bri’ana said her main goals now are to get legal representation and some follow-up from the

Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) which is run by Hennepin County Attorney, Mary Moriarty.

“My father's case was recently transferred to the CIU, and they are holding his file,” she said. “I’ve been reaching out to them, and I've gotten only updates from the people who answer the phone, which is very minimal.” 

Prior to that, Bryan’s case was being held by the Conviction Review Unit within the Minnesota Attorney General’s office. Bri’ana said they also were unhelpful and unresponsive. “CRU held on to the case pretty much since they started and when we've asked for updates or feedback, it's been lackluster – similar to the evidence.”  

The parole board will review Bryan’s case again when he is eligible for parole in three years.

Bri'ana Hooper, following the hearing.