Months after a judge tossed out his 1998 murder conviction, Jimmie Duncan is free on bail. But prosecutors have asked the Louisiana Supreme Court to reinstate the death penalty for Duncan, even as the victim’s mother has come to support his release.

Jimmie “Chris” Duncan walked out of the Ouachita Parish Correctional Center and into the arms of his parents last week after spending the last 27 years on death row.

Seven months ago, a Louisiana district court judge vacated his murder conviction for killing his former girlfriend’s toddler, citing doubts about the evidence used to convict him. The judge granted bail after multiple legal delays, including an unsuccessful request by prosecutors to the Louisiana Supreme Court to stop his release. Now free, Duncan spent Thanksgiving with his family — then celebrated his 57th birthday the next day.

But Duncan’s journey to freedom is far from over. Prosecutors have asked the state Supreme Court to reinstate his death sentence. Duncan’s attorneys declined to make him immediately available for an interview.

  • syreus@lemmy.world
    5·
    19 hours ago

    And if I were on a jury I’d put you in prison for however long it takes for a team of therapists to agree you felt remorse and could be rehabilitated.

    If you left your child with him it could be argued you share in the blame. If you had any inkling that he wasn’t capable.

    We waste so much money punishing people and so little on helping people heal and grow. Vengeance is no salve despite what Hollywood would have you believe.