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Clinic students Chris Furrer and Lee Sexton built a model of the basement window purportedly used for entry in the commission of the crime. Here, Furrer is attempting to contort himself through the window as one test of the plausibility of the prosecution’s case theory. Photo by Lee Sexton.<\/p><\/div>\n
The clinic students, working under the supervision of CRU lawyers, conducted an extensive review of the case. They noted flaws in the investigation and prosecution of Pippitt\u2019s case, which cast doubt on Pippitt\u2019s conviction.<\/p>\n
In 2001, Pippitt was convicted of the 1998 murder of Evelyn Malin, an 84-year-old shopkeeper in Aitkin County. He has been imprisoned since then. But the CRU\u2019s 181-page investigatory report found both prosecution witnesses tying Pippitt to the crime had fabricated their testimony; indeed, both later recanted. Furthermore, the report concluded the prosecution\u2019s theory of a burglary-gone-wrong was implausible based on evidence at the crime scene. No fingerprints, hair, or DNA of Pippitt or any alleged co-conspirator was ever found at the scene.<\/p>\n
The Wrongful Conviction and Sentencing Clinic is a novel opportunity for Mitchell Hamline students. Blended-learning students participate in many of the school\u2019s clinics along with on-campus students, but this was one of the first in the school\u2019s history created specifically with blended-learning students in mind. \u00a0That meant those working on the Pippitt case lived in states from coast to coast and did most of their work remotely.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I started at Mitchell Hamline as a blended-learning student, I didn\u2019t think I would be able to participate in a clinic. When I heard about this opportunity, I felt like it was designed especially for me,\u201d said Rocky Ricarte, a clinic student from the state of Washington. \u201cIt was the most fulfilling and motivating experience I had while at Mitchell Hamline.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe clinic gave students the opportunity to utilize a diverse set of\u00a0skills that aren\u2019t always cultivated in traditional law school classrooms,\u201d added Alayna Lerner, a clinic student from Indiana. \u201cThe clinic gave us a hands-on, real-life point of reference to take with us as we begin our legal careers.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to the Pippitt case, clinic students assist the CRU in reviewing other applications for exoneration. The experience has helped shape the career goals of many clinic students.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe clinic helped solidify my desire to eventually work in the innocence network,\u201d said Zana Molina, a clinic student also from Washington. \u201cI learned through the clinic how to analyze a case from all angles.\u201d<\/p>\n