Justice Delayed: Bryan Hooper Sr. Exonerated After 27 Years
- Rebecca Gilbuena
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
This morning, Bryan Hooper Sr. walked out of Stillwater prison a free man—nearly 27 years after being sentenced to life for a murder he did not commit. Bryan’s conviction for the 1998 killing of 77-year-old Ann Prazniak was vacated this week after both his defense team and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office agreed that he is innocent.
The ruling ends what Judge Marta Chou described as a swift but thorough review of the evidence—evidence that has long pointed away from Bryan, and toward the state’s key trial witness, who has now confessed to the crime.
A Wrongful Life Sentence
When Bryan was convicted in 1999, the sentence was life in prison. No physical evidence tied him to the crime. Instead, prosecutors relied on testimony that has since been revealed as false. The state’s key witness admitted in recorded conversations with law enforcement and even in private phone calls that she had lied, pointing the finger at Bryan to deflect suspicion from herself.
“This is the very type of recantation evidence that requires relief under Minnesota law,” said James Mayer, Legal Director of the Great North Innocence Project, who represented Bryan. “But in this case, the evidence goes further. We have a strong and compelling showing of factual innocence.”
Hennepin County prosecutors joined Bryan’s petition for post-conviction relief. Assistant County Attorney Andrew Markquart acknowledged in court that while rare, the evidence demanded justice.
“We can’t stand behind this conviction anymore. It doesn’t have integrity,” Markquart said. “The grounds for relief are strong, if not overwhelming.”
The unusual collaboration between defense and prosecution underscored what Mayer called a “moment of reckoning.” After decades of appeals, parole denials, and ignored warnings, the system that once condemned Bryan to life in prison finally recognized what his family had always known: he is innocent.
For Bryan’s daughter, Bri’ana, the release is the culmination of a lifelong battle. She was just five years old when her father was taken away. Over the years, she became his fiercest advocate, speaking publicly, gathering evidence, and demanding that the justice system acknowledge its mistake.
A Call to Reckoning
For Bryan, the homecoming is bittersweet: 27 years of birthdays, holidays, and life moments were lost to a conviction built on lies. For Minnesota’s justice system, his case is a call to accountability.
“This should be a moment of reckoning—an opportunity to reflect on how we collectively failed the Hooper family,” said Mayer.
As Bryan reunites with his loved ones, his story stands as both a testament to resilience and a warning: justice delayed is justice denied.
What Comes Next: Minnesota’s Compensation Pathway
Minnesota law provides a pathway for compensation to those wrongfully convicted—but Bryan must actively seek it. Under Minnesota Statute 590.11, a person whose conviction is vacated on grounds consistent with innocence is eligible to petition for compensation. Minnesota law caps damages at:
$100,000 per year of wrongful incarceration, and
$50,000 per year served under supervised release or as a registered predatory offender MN Revisor's Office.
Additionally, the law allows for reimbursement of court costs, lost child support obligations accrued during incarceration and necessary reintegration support such as housing, transportation, and medical care. Attorneys' fees incurred in pursuing the claim may also be awarded.