Louisiana Supreme Court Overturns Death Row Conviction, Man Remains in Legal Limbo
The Louisiana Supreme Court nullified Jimmie “Chris” Duncan’s murder conviction, but he still faces possible retrial and lacks compensation.
After three decades on death row, Jimmie “Chris” Duncan saw his murder conviction vacated by the Louisiana Supreme Court, which found the bite-mark testimony scientifically invalid. Prosecutor Steve Tew signaled an intent to retry the case before his term concludes, keeping Duncan in a state of legal limbo. Duncan survives on a $350-a-week motel room and a night-shift job at Walmart, where he earns $17 per hour and was named employee of the month.
He remains ineligible for the state's $480,000 restitution program until a retrial is dismissed or he is acquitted. Attorney General Liz Murrill has opposed most compensation claims, arguing the fund is a drain on resources. Duncan continues to cope with the trauma of his wrongful conviction while advocating for reforms to forensic practices that once condemned him.
Why it matters
The case highlights flaws in forensic evidence and the challenges exonerees face after convictions are overturned.
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