AG’s conviction review of 2002 Dakota murder nears
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison’s Conviction Review Unit says its report on Philip Vance’s 2002 South St. Paul murder conviction is in final review after four years of investigation, even as Vance’s separate court bid based on witness recantations remains paused pending the CRU outcome. The case highlights growing scrutiny of the three‑person unit’s pace—five completed reviews since 2021—with the defense warning delays risk witness availability and prosecutors notified of an anticipated report as far back as February.
📌 Key Facts
- Philip Vance, 45, serving life for a 2002 South St. Paul murder, applied to the AG’s Conviction Review Unit in 2021; the CRU accepted the case.
- In February the CRU told parties to expect a final report ‘soon’; at an October hearing, CRU Director Carrie Sperling said the report is in final review.
- Vance’s recantation‑based court petition is stayed by agreement of both sides pending the CRU report; the unit has completed five reviews since 2021.