Tim Walz's role in freeing man who killed 11-year-old girl comes back to haunt him during campaign
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA: Minnesota Gov Tim Walz, running mate of Democratic presidential frontrunner Vice President Kamala Harris, is under fresh scrutiny over his role in the release of a man who was twice convicted of killing an 11-year-old girl, now faces gun and drug felonies.
Myon Burrell, then just 16, was sentenced to life in prison after a stray bullet killed Tyesha Edwards while she was doing her homework at her dining room table in Hennepin County, Minnesota, in 2002.
Myon Burrell's prosecution for Tyesha Edwards' murder
Myon Burrell, who was reportedly targeting a rival gang member, was charged with first-degree murder by then-prosecutor Amy Klobuchar, now a Democrat US Senator.
Despite maintaining his innocence, the state Supreme Court convicted the suspect in 2003 and again in 2009 after new evidence surfaced.
Further, an investigation revealed significant concerns about the prosecution's case against Burrell, including the absence of DNA, a firearm, or fingerprints. Reports indicate that the conviction relied heavily on unreliable testimony from jailhouse informants, who provided inconsistent statements about Burrell’s guilt.
Was Tim Walz's decision to free Myon Burrell driven by political pressure?
In 2020, as a member of the Minnesota Board of Pardons, Tim Walz voted to commute Myon Burrell's sentence, arguing that a life term for a teenager was unjust given advancements in scientific understanding and evolving legal standards.
"We cannot turn a blind eye to the developments in science and law as we look at this case," Walz said at the time of his decision.
The governor's decision was influenced by growing calls for criminal justice reform following the 'Black Lives Matter' protests and Klobuchar’s presidential campaign the same year.
"Justice is not served by incarcerating a child for his entire lifetime for a horrible mistake committed many years ago," Walz stated announcing his decision in December 2020, per Daily Mail.
Jimmie Edwards III, Tyesha's brother, expressed that the family was deeply distressed by the verdict, reflecting on the tragic loss of his sister.
"She never got to go to her prom. She never got to go to college. She never got to go to junior high school or high school," the heartbroken brother said. "Her life was taken away at 11. Who's the victim?"
Myon Burrell's criminal history
Since his release, Myon Burrell, now 37, has been arrested twice for drug and gun-related offenses. In September 2023, he was found with a handgun and marijuana smoke billowed out of his vehicle after he was stopped for erratic driving and speeding.
In May 2024, Burrell was arrested again with illegal drugs and $60,000 in cash in his apartment. According to the complaint, police discovered bags containing what they believed to be marijuana, ecstasy pills, methamphetamine pills, and a digital scale.
Burrell resisted arrest by attempting to walk away before officers restrained him with handcuffs and placed him in the squad car.
Harris-Walz ticket gathers massive crowd during Arizona campaign
Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris drew a substantial crowd during a recent rally in Arizona.
On Friday, August 9, nearly 20,000 enthusiastic supporters packed into the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, according to Salon. Harris, who joined the presidential race just last month after President Joe Biden's withdrawal, selected Walz as her vice-presidential candidate earlier this week.
The governor highlighted their campaign's success by noting similar crowds at recent stops in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Wisconsin.
