Midwest Innocence Project

06/03/2026

This spring brought the kind of news we don't get to share often enough.

A Kansas court ruled in favor of MIP client Les McKinney, ensuring he will finally receive a full and fair hearing on his claims. Christopher Dunn's exoneration was also upheld by the Missouri Court of Appeals, affirming what Chris and his legal team have maintained for decades: he is innocent.

These moments don't happen overnight. They are the result of years of investigation, litigation, advocacy, and people who continue to believe that truth matters.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue working to correct and prevent wrongful convictions across the Midwest.

Support Les here: https://buff.ly/z0WLJgE
Support Chris here: https://buff.ly/BTggRsW

05/19/2026

Today, the Missouri Eastern District Court of Appeals affirmed the St. Louis Circuit Court’s 2024 decision exonerating Christopher Dunn.

This morning’s opinion reinforces what has long been clear: Chris is innocent, and his conviction could not stand. After more than 34 years of wrongful imprisonment, Chris remains where he belongs – home with his family and loved ones.

We are thankful for the continued work of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore and special prosecutors Judge Booker Shaw, Rachael Moore, and Layla Husen of Thompson Coburn LLP.

Christopher Dunn is represented by Rachel Wester of the Midwest Innocence Project, Jonathan Potts and Isabel Guariglia of Bryan Cave Leighton Paiser, and Justin Bonus. The Midwest Innocence Project team includes investigator Blair Johnson, paralegal Leigh Ann Carroll, and social worker Courtney Ellis.

05/13/2026

In February, Midwest Innocence Project Executive Director Tahir Atwater was honored with one of Kansas City’s most respected community recognitions: being named to The Independent Magazine’s 2026 Class of Rising Stars.

Take a look at the article in The Independent’s latest issue and join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!

https://buff.ly/11C6dsp

05/09/2026

Yesterday, the Wyandotte District Court ruled that Midwest Innocence Project client Celester McKinney was denied competent counsel at his 2022 post conviction hearing and, as a result, was prejudiced. While the fight to exonerate Les continues, this win is a huge step forward. We will continue fighting to clear his name.

It took a complete team effort to achieve this result, with MIP working together with Morgan Pilate (Lindsay Runnels) and Lathrop GPM (Matthew Jacober and Brody Sabor).

Here’s a before and after pic. The smiles got even bigger after the win!

04/30/2026

Tonight is Faces of Innocence.
Tonight we celebrate 25 years of this work.

You can still support Midwest Innocence Project by purchasing a Golden Ticket raffle entry. You do not have to be present to win!

Want to be in the room? General admission tickets are still available for those who want to join us tonight.

Be part of what comes next.
https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/mip

Doors at 6pm//Program 7pm

04/29/2026

Midwest Innocence Project Vice Chair of the Board, Gene Willis, joins Shane & Kerrigan to talk all things Faces of Innocence.

Tune in to hear what’s ahead and how you can be part of it:

Midwest Innocence Project’s “Faces of Innocence” EventBy KCTV5 StaffPublished: Apr. 27, 2026 at 11:03 AM CDTMidwest Innocence Project Vice Chair of Board Gene Willis joins Shane and Kerrigan to share all the details on their upcoming Faces of Innocence event.Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights res...

04/27/2026

Faces of Innocence is this week, and we’re feeling so grateful.

To everyone who has supported, shared, sponsored, and shown up for this work, thank you. This community continues to make it possible to bring people home and support them as they rebuild their lives.

We can’t wait to be together on April 30 at the Midland Theatre to celebrate 25 years of impact and the people who make this work move forward every day.

Tickets are still available: https://buff.ly/0QAfz9D

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you.

04/23/2026

We’re one week away from Faces of Innocence.

On April 30, we’ll gather to mark 25 years of work to correct and prevent wrongful convictions and to celebrate the people and community that make that work possible.

There is still time to join us.

Tickets are available, and we would love to have you in the room.

You can also take part in our Golden Ticket Raffle. One winner will choose from three unforgettable trips, with no need to be present to win. It’s a simple way to be part of the night and support the work, wherever you are.

Join us, be part of this moment, and help carry this work forward.

Tickets and raffle entries: https://buff.ly/0QAfz9D