Brian Pippitt sentence commuted from homicide two decades ago
For two and a half decades, Brian Pippitt has maintained his innocence, and on Wednesday his sentence was commuted.
"I would like to make it perfectly clear that I am innocent," said Pippitt.
"One hour ago, Mr. Pippitt had a life sentence. Mr. Pippitt is now moments away from a commutation that will have him home by the New Year," said Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday.
Minnesota's Board of Pardon's commuted Pippitt's life sentence for the 1998 murder of 84-year-old Evelyn Malin. Malin was murdered at her Aitkin County home.
Pippitt's attorneys say there were concerns about the case from the start.
"There was no forensic evidence. There was no physical evidence," said Jim Cousins, attorney for Centurion Ministries Organization. "Both of those witnesses have now recanted under oath."
"The fact that I'm innocent of this crime and the fact that the truth would surface has kept me going through the years," said Pippitt.
The 63-year-old is now getting ready to head home.
"It's been a long time. We've been just waiting for this day to come," said Lindsay Misquadace, Pippitt's niece.
Pippitt's release from prison could take anywhere from 30 days to 5 months.
His attorneys says they will continue to fight for Pippitt and make sure he recieves a full pardon.