Christopher Dunn is free after a week in limbo

As the sun set down Market Street. Christopher Dunn emerged from the revolving doors of the Carnahan Courthouse, wearing a tan herringbone jacket, blue dress shirt and tie, a free man.

Dunn was thankful for those who helped him secure his innocence including St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.

"I would like to thank Gabe Gore, the circuit attorney for taking this chance on me. For putting his life and his career on the line for me."

Dunn also thanked his attorneys but especially his wife Kira for her support through the years.

"For my family, for standing behind me for all these years. I cannot forget my wife, who has stuck with me through thick and thin, through it all."

A week ago Monday, a St. Louis City Judge vacated Christopher Dunn's murder conviction and ordered Dunn be free by last Wednesday evening. However Dunn's freedom was delayed when Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a motion to block his release. Dunn offered this message to the Attorney General.

"Have a nice life," Dunn said briefly as a supporter shouted, "better luck next time."

Dunn had a longer message for those who prosecuted him nearly thirty four years ago.

"If I hold on to the negativity, if I keep on holding onto the past, I would never be able to move forward. So for those who participated in my prosecution, I forgive you. I'm not gonna forget, but I do forgive you." Dunn adds "but at the same time, I've got to move on with my life too."

Dunn says he wont get his childhood back. But now faced with the rest of his life ahead of him, that's something he is at peace with.

"Sure, my youth is gone, I can never get that back. Sure, I have gone through a number of medical issues. But hey, that's a part of the territory, it comes with life... We grow, we live and eventually we gonna die."

Now, Dunn says he's looking forward to the rest of his life.

"I'm tired. I'm tired of being sick and tired," Dunn said, referencing Fannie Lou Hammer. "But hey, I got a life to live now."

Dunn exclaimed, "St. Louis, we did it," as his supporters cheered him. After speaking with the press, Dunn strode down the stairs to his mother, who tearfully embraced her son. He entered a car joined by his wife and attorney, leaving east down Market street towards the Arch, beginning the rest of his life free.