From Commutation to Controversy: Man Freed After 18 Years Charged with Gun and Drug Offenses

Myon Burrell, a Minnesota man who spent 18 years in prison for a high-profile murder case before his sentence was commuted, has been charged with gun and drug felonies after a recent arrest. Burrell, now 37, appeared in court on Friday, where bail was set at $50,000. His attorney maintains his client's innocence. Burrell was convicted in 2008 for the death of 11-year-old Tyesha Edwards, who was killed by a stray bullet while doing her homework.

However, an investigation conducted by the Associated Press and APM Reports in 2020 uncovered new evidence and serious flaws in the case, leading to the commutation of his sentence. During a routine traffic stop in the Minneapolis suburb of Robbinsdale, police found a handgun and drugs in Burrell's SUV. The charges filed against him include possession of a firearm by an ineligible person due to his prior conviction and possession of a controlled substance. A Glock 17 9 mm handgun with an extended magazine was discovered in the center console, along with suspected marijuana, capsules containing a crystal-like powder, and ecstasy pills. Burrell's attorney, Paul Applebaum, expressed interest in the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop and emphasized that things may not be as they initially appear. Applebaum also mentioned the possibility of Burrell feeling the need for protection if he did possess a gun, considering his upbringing in a dangerous environment.

Judge Peter Cahill, who presided over the trial of former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin in the George Floyd murder case, set bail for Burrell under several conditions, including not possessing a weapon and staying away from illegal drugs. Burrell's next court appearance is scheduled for October 17. The Dakota County Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case due to a conflict of interest in the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, as Burrell used to work as a paid staffer on County Attorney Mary Moriarty's campaign. The arrest occurred after a Robbinsdale police officer stopped Burrell's vehicle for crossing the center line twice and exceeding the speed limit.

During the interaction, the officer noticed smoke and a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from the car. Burrell's red and glossy eyes, dilated pupils, and poor performance on a field sobriety test further raised suspicions. Burrell resisted the officer's attempts to place him in the squad car, leading to handcuffing and detention. The discovery of drugs in Burrell's possession, including suspected marijuana, a crystal-like substance, and ecstasy pills, further compounded the charges against him.

While the possession of up to two ounces of marijuana became legal in Minnesota on July 1, the complaint did not disclose the weight of the marijuana found. Burrell's case highlights the ongoing questions surrounding the integrity of the criminal justice system and the challenges faced by individuals who live in high-crime environments. His attorney argues that it is important to consider the unique circumstances and experiences that may influence the actions of individuals like Burrell.