Missouri

Christopher Dunn freed from prison after 1991 murder conviction overturned

Published

1 year ago

July 31, 2024

Christopher Dunn freed from prison after 1991 murder conviction overturned

A Missouri man was freed from prison Tuesday after his murder conviction was overturned after 34 years behind bars, despite the state attorney general’s efforts to keep him there.

“I never gave up because my family never gave up,” Christopher Dunn said from the steps of the downtown St. Louis courthouse. “It’s easy to give up in prison when you lose hope. But when the system throws you away, you have to ask yourself if you wanted to just settle for it or fight for it.”

Dunn, 52, reunited with his wife, Kira Dunn, as he was officially released from the St. Louis city jail Tuesday night. As his release drew imminent, he was driven by van from the state prison in Licking, Missouri, to St. Louis, about 140 miles away.

A St. Louis circuit judge overturned Dunn’s murder conviction on July 22 and ordered his immediate release. But Dunn remained imprisoned amid a chaotic process that began when Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey appealed to try and keep Dunn locked up.

When asked about the delay since the judge’s ruling, Dunn said, “It was testing. To hear the decision by the judge and then be prepared to leave on Wednesday, only to be brought back to prison. It was torture.”

Wrongful Conviction Missouri — Christopher Dunn emerges from a St. Louis courtroom with his wife, Kira, in St. Louis, on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, after being freed following 34 years in prison. A judge overturned Dunn’s conviction on July 22.

Jim Salter / AP

Dunn’s release marks the second time in recent weeks that a person was freed from prison despite Bailey’s appeals to keep them in custody after a murder conviction was overturned.

Sandra Hemme was freed July 19 from a western Missouri prison after serving 43 years for a murder that a judge deemed there was evidence of her “actual innocence.” Bailey’s office also opposed Hemme’s release while an appellate court reviewed the case. She walked out of the prison only after a judge threatened Bailey with contempt if she wasn’t freed.

Political scientists and some attorneys have said Bailey was taking the tough stance to shore up votes in advance of a contested Republican primary. He faces a challenge from Will Scharf, an attorney for former President Donald Trump, in the Aug. 6 primary.

At one point last week, Dunn was minutes away from getting out of prison after the circuit judge, Jason Sengheiser, threatened a warden with contempt if he wasn’t released. But then the Missouri Supreme Court agreed to consider the case, temporarily halting his freedom.

Then on Tuesday, the state’s highest court issued a ruling stating that the St. Louis circuit attorney needed to confirm it had no plans to retry Dunn before he could be freed. Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore immediately filed a memorandum stating he would not seek a new trial, setting in motion the process toward Dunn’s freedom.

A statement from the Midwest Innocence Project said Dunn “is coming home.”

“We are thrilled that Chris will finally be reunited with his family after 34 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit,” the statement read. “We look forward to supporting Chris as he rebuilds his life.”

Earlier Tuesday, leaders of the Missouri NAACP and other organizations said that politics and racism were behind Bailey’s effort to keep Dunn behind bars. State NAACP President Nimrod Chapel Jr. said at a news conference that Bailey “superseded his jurisdiction and authority” in appealing Sengheiser’s ruling.

“What’s happening now is another form of lynching,” said another speaker, Zaki Baruti of the Universal African People’s Organization.

Bailey’s office, in an earlier statement, said the effort to keep Dunn in prison was warranted.

“Throughout the appeals process, multiple courts have affirmed Christopher Dunn’s murder conviction,” the statement read. “We will always fight for the rule of law and to obtain justice for victims.”

Dunn was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1990 shooting of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore filed a motion in February seeking to vacate the guilty verdict. A hearing was in May.

Sengheiser wrote in his ruling that Gore “made a clear and convincing showing of ‘actual innocence’ that undermines the basis for Dunn’s convictions because in light of new evidence, no juror, acting reasonably, would have voted to find Dunn guilty of these crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office opposed the effort to vacate Dunn’s conviction. Lawyers for the state said at the May hearing that initial testimony from two boys at the scene who identified Dunn as the shooter was correct, even though they later recanted as adults.

Rogers was shot May 18, 1990, when a gunman opened fire while he was with a group of other teenage boys outside a home. DeMorris Stepp, 14, and Michael Davis Jr., 12, both initially identified Dunn as the shooter.

In a recorded interview played at the hearing, Davis said he lied because he thought Dunn was affiliated with a rival gang.

Stepp’s story has changed a few times over the years, Gore said at the hearing. Most recently he has said he did not see Dunn as the shooter. Gore said another judge previously found Stepp to be a “completely unreliable witness” and urged Sengheiser to discount him altogether.

Dunn has said he was at his mother’s home at the time of the shooting. Childhood friend Nicole Bailey testified that she spoke with him by phone that night and he was on a phone at his mother’s house.

Tristin Estep, the assistant attorney general, said that alibi could not be trusted and that Dunn’s story has shifted multiple times over the years. Dunn did not testify at the hearing.

A Missouri law adopted in 2021 lets prosecutors request hearings when they see evidence of a wrongful conviction. While Bailey’s office is not required to oppose such efforts, he also opposed another effort in St. Louis that resulted in Lamar Johnson being freed last year after serving 28 years for a murder case in which a judge ruled he was wrongfully convicted.

The 2021 law has resulted in the release of two men who each spent decades in prison. In addition to Johnson, Kevin Strickland was freed in 2021 after more than 40 years for three killings in Kansas City after a judge ruled he was wrongfully convicted in 1979.

Another hearing is approaching for Marcellus Williams, who narrowly escaped lethal injection and is now facing another execution date.

St. Louis County’s prosecutor believes DNA evidence shows that Williams didn’t commit the crime that landed him on death row. DNA of someone else — but not Williams — was found on the knife used in the 1998 killing, experts said.

A hearing on Williams’ innocence claim begins Aug. 21. His execution is scheduled for Sept. 24.

Bailey’s office is opposing the challenge to Williams’ conviction, too.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 15, 2025

Published

2 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 15, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

23-35-59-63-68, Powerball: 02, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 2-7-3

Midday Wild: 6

Evening: 3-2-6

Evening Wild: 5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 8-4-4-6

Midday Wild: 6

Evening: 2-7-8-4

Evening Wild: 4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

08-10-13-39-60, Cash Ball: 01

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Early Bird: 07

Morning: 14

Matinee: 04

Prime Time: 08

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

07-09-12-21-28

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Missouri

The Food Bank, local agencies and schools partner to meet Mid-Missouri needs

Published

14 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

The Food Bank, local agencies and schools partner to meet Mid-Missouri needs

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri is set to host its 19th annual One for One Holiday Food & Fund Drive on Wednesday. Items gathered will provide food to families in need during the holiday season and beyond.

The Food Bank has more than 145 partner agencies and 200 partner schools that help distribute food in its 32-county service area.

The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri serves 32 (dark purple) of Missouri’s 114 counties. [Courtesy: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri]

In Boone County, more than 30 agencies partner with The Food Bank, including Aging Best, Hogan House, In2Action, Powerhouse, Tiger Pantry, True North, Turning Point and Welcome Home.

In Cole County, The Food Bank has 11 partner agencies, including Building Community Bridges, Catholic Charities, First Christian Church Food Pantry, Rape & Abuse Crisis Services, Salvation Army and the Samaritan Center.

The Food Bank’s interactive map can help people find partner agencies or schools distributing food near them.

The most needed items at the One for One Holiday Drive are canned meat/protein, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups/chilis/stews, boxed meal kits, cereal, peanut butter and pasta, according to The Food Bank’s website.

Food and funds can be donated at two locations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday — the Columbia Mall and Buchheits in Jefferson City. The Food Bank’s purchasing power turns every $25 donated into at least 100 meals.

Firefighters from Columbia Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1055 will volunteer during the One for One drive. The 12-hour event will also have fire engines, music and Santa.

People interested in donating can visit sharefoodbringhope.org for more information.

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Missouri

Bet365 Missouri bonus code: Bet $10, get a $365 bonus for Vikings vs. Cowboys on Sunday Night Football

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

Bet365 Missouri bonus code: Bet , get a 5 bonus for Vikings vs. Cowboys on Sunday Night Football

The NFL Week 15 schedule is almost over, but not before the Dallas Cowboys host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Sports bettors in Missouri can get in on the action with $365 in bonuses when they register with today’s bet365 Missouri bonus code.

While that new-user bonus is strong, we recommend the Missouri sports betting promos below. Click any banner or all of them to claim more than $4,000 in bonuses today.

Dallas struggled early this season, thanks mostly to its leaky defense. The Cowboys have improved on that side of the ball and have won three of their last four. That bounce back has coincided with the Philadelphia Eagles’ slump, giving Dallas hope it can climb all the way to the top of the NFC East and make the playoffs.

The Cowboys are 6.5-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook on Sunday against the Vikings, who won last week but have only faint playoff hopes.

bet365 Missouri bonus code at a glance

🎁 bet365 bonus code	None
💰 bet365 bonus code details	Bet $10, and get $365 in bonuses
📝 Bet $5, get $365 in bonus bets terms and conditions	A minimum deposit of $10 is required. Bet $10+ and receive a $365 bonus within one hour of wager settlement, win or lose. Bonus bets expire after seven days and cannot be withdrawn.
✅ Last verified	Dec. 14, 2025

🎁 bet365 bonus code

None

💰 bet365 bonus code details

Bet $10, and get $365 in bonuses

📝 Bet $5, get $365 in bonus bets terms and conditions

A minimum deposit of $10 is required.

Bet $10+ and receive a $365 bonus within one hour of wager settlement, win or lose.

Bonus bets expire after seven days and cannot be withdrawn.

✅ Last verified

Dec. 14, 2025

How to register with the bet365 Missouri bonus code

It does not take long to register for a new account at bet365. Follow the steps below to sign up and claim your guaranteed bonuses in Missouri.

Download the bet365 Sportsbook app.
Fill in the required informational fields to verify your age and identity.
Select your banking method and make a first-time deposit of at least $10.
Bet $10 on tonight’s game between the Vikings and Cowboys or any other sporting event.

You will receive a $365 bonus when your first bet settles, no matter the outcome of your bet. The bonus will be added to your account as a lump sum. You can use the full amount on a single bet or divide it into smaller bets. Edit the amount of bonus bets in your betslip before you confirm a wager.

Use the full amount within seven days of receipt or the leftover portion will expire.

Bet365 bonus code terms and conditions

Only new users are eligible.
Place a first-time deposit of at least $10.
Enter your initial deposit within seven days of establishing the account.
The qualifying wager must be settled within 30 days.
Upon issuance, the bonus bets will be good for seven days.

Bet365 Missouri existing user promotions

Once the welcome bonuses have been used, the door opens to more tempting ongoing offers from bet365. Here are some of the current featured offers for confirmed registered players:

Profit boosts: Receive increased payouts on select markets and wager types.
Early win payout: When the team you bet on establishes a big lead, your wager is graded as a winner. If you bet on Dallas to beat Minnesota, and Dallas builds a 17-point lead, you cash out immediately.

Why our experts like this welcome bonus

Online sportsbook offers often fluctuate, and they don’t always guarantee a bonus for new users. That is not the case with bet365 in Missouri. New users receive the bonus no matter what. That’s impossible to beat.

In addition, bet365 awards more bonuses than industry leaders DraftKings and FanDuel. Both sportsbooks give new users $300 a bonus.

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