Court Denies Philip Vance a New Trial, Advocates Say Fight Continues

Philip Vance has been in prison for 22 years, serving a life sentence for a murder he maintains he did not commit. Despite no physical DNA evidence linking him to the crime, Vance was convicted based on testimony of several jailhouse informants who have since recanted. 

On March 24, Dakota County Judge Michael Mayer denied Philip Vance's fifth petition for post-conviction relief, a legal step that would have allowed new testimony and evidence to be examined in court.

Miss Nikki is a Legal Liaison Advocate for Philip. She said this is not the end of the road.

“The decision was based largely on legal standards and procedural limits that make it very hard to reopen cases, especially after so many years,” said Miss Nikki. “It doesn’t take away the questions that still exist, and it doesn’t change the importance of continuing to seek truth and fairness.”

Trial and Evidentiary Hearing Denied

In an order, the Judge Mayer ruled that the claims in Philip’s petition were either procedurally barred or lacked sufficient credibility to warrant further review.

The judge emphasized that many of the arguments raised—including allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective assistance of counsel, and witness recantations—had been addressed in prior appeals or could have been raised earlier.

The court also pointed to the findings of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Conviction Review Unit (CRU), which conducted a four-year investigation and said they found no evidence supporting Philip's innocence.

“I respect the court’s decision and I appreciate the CRU for the thorough evaluation of this matter,” said Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena. “Our office remains committed to transparency and to upholding the integrity of the justice system.”

Miss Nikki said it is deeply troubling how quickly Keena’s office moved to publicize the court’s decision, as if it were something to celebrate. 

“Let’s be clear: this is not justice. This is a continuation of a narrative that has long been built on protecting a conviction rather than pursuing the truth,” said Miss Nikki. “Kathy Keena and her office played a central role in securing Philip’s conviction, and his case has been used to bolster her reputation as a ‘success story.’ But a case cannot be considered a success when serious questions remain unanswered—and when the real perpetrator may still be free.”

What Comes Next

Philip’s legal team and supporters say they are not finished. Additional legal avenues include a potential review by the Minnesota Supreme Court and the pursuit of federal habeas relief based on constitutional grounds.

The case will also continue to be evaluated for any newly emerging evidence.

Beyond the courts, non-judicial options such as clemency through the Minnesota Board of Pardons remain available for consideration.

“Justice is not measured by convictions alone. It is measured by truth, accountability, and the willingness to correct what is wrong,” said Miss Nikki. “This moment should not be framed as a victory, but rather as a reminder of how difficult it is to reopen cases—even when legitimate concerns persist.”