Marvin Haynes, wrongfully convicted for a 2005 murder, will share his story at the Mary Ann Key Book Club's discussion on May 16, drawing parallels to Anthony Ray Hinton's experience of wrongful imprisonment.
The Star Tribune reported that this event at Minneapolis Central Library will also feature other speakers who have been impacted by the U.S. justice system.
Haynes, who was wrongfully convicted for the murder of Harry "Randy" Sherer, spent his entire 20s and most of his 30s in prison.
A video from the interrogation shows the then 16-year-old shivering and pleading his innocence.
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, Haynes will speak at the Mary Ann Key Book Club’s discussion of "The Sun Does Shine" at 6:30 p.m. at Minneapolis Central Library. Anthony Ray Hinton, the author of the book, spent over 30 years on death row for a crime he did not commit.
Haynes' interrogation video highlights the injustice he faced. In the footage, Haynes, a scared and confused teenager, repeatedly pleaded, "I ain't did nothing, man." A police officer urged him to confess, saying, "This is your one and only chance to straighten it out," but Haynes maintained his innocence.
The wrongful conviction left a significant mark on Haynes, who still gets nervous and emotional when discussing the events. "Every time I talk about it, I just get emotional," he said. During his interrogation, he asked for his mother, a request that underscores the youth and vulnerability of the boy the state prosecuted.
Mary Moriarty, the Hennepin County district attorney, acknowledged the harm done. "Almost twenty years ago, a terrible injustice occurred when the state prosecuted Marvin Haynes," she stated.
She emphasized the broader impact, noting, "We inflicted harm on Mr. Haynes and his family, and also on Harry Sherer, the victim, his family, and the community."
At his trial in 2005, Haynes voiced his anguish, telling the jury, "You all are going to burn in hell for this!" The author of this article, then a reporting intern, quoted Haynes' outburst.
When Haynes recently learned of this, he expressed his surprise, saying, "That was you?" and added, "Man, you spoiled it for me," when discussing the lack of compensation for Hinton.
Haynes is encouraged to express himself freely during the panel discussion. The author has assured him, "If you need to cry, if you need a break, if you need to pause, you can do that." This supportive environment aims to provide Haynes the space to share his experience fully.
Other speakers at the event will include Minister JaNaé Bates, Moseka Nhya, and Kevin Reese. They will contribute to the discussion on the impacts of the U.S. justice system, drawing from their own experiences.
This event marks a full circle moment for Haynes, providing him with a platform to share his story and begin healing from the trauma he endured.
Haynes spent many years in prison for a crime he did not commit, and this discussion offers a step toward righting that wrong.
In conclusion, Marvin Haynes, wrongfully convicted of a 2005 murder, will speak at the Mary Ann Key Book Club's discussion on May 16, 2024. The event, held at Minneapolis Central Library, will feature Haynes and other speakers impacted by the U.S. justice system, including Minister JaNaé Bates, Moseka Nhya, and Kevin Reese.
Haynes' story, highlighted by his emotional interrogation video and years of wrongful imprisonment, will be a central theme. The event promises to be a significant step toward healing and raising awareness about the injustices in the legal system.
