Overview

• The three-member board voted 2-1, with Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison in favor and Chief Justice Natalie Hudson opposed, and the commutation does not vacate the 2001 conviction.
• Pippitt, 63, is expected to be released within months—potentially by the New Year—with processing timelines ranging from about 30 days to five months.
• The Attorney General’s Conviction Review Unit had urged vacating the case after a two-year investigation citing key witness recantations, an implausible prosecution theory, and no physical or forensic evidence tying Pippitt to the killing.
• Supporters pointed to Pippitt’s age, health, good behavior, and the fact he has served more time than his four codefendants combined.
• Hudson questioned resolving competing case theories in a clemency forum, local law enforcement criticized the CRU process as politicized, and Pippitt’s attorneys say they will continue to seek full exoneration in court or by pardon.