A wrongfully convicted individual, who spent 27 years in prison, has recently been granted freedom by the court, according to his lawyer.

In a dramatic turn of events, Chalaka Young, the key witness in the 1998 murder trial of Bryan Hooper Sr., has confessed to the murder of Ann Prazniak. This confession has led to Hooper's release from prison after spending 27 years behind bars.

On April 15, 1998, the body of Ann Prazniak was found in a cardboard box in her third-floor apartment near downtown Minneapolis. Hooper was convicted for the murder later that year. However, Young initially denied any knowledge of the murder during her first three interrogations. It wasn't until her fourth meeting with police that she pointed fingers at Hooper.

A hearing was held on September 2, and the following day, the judge issued an order vacating Hooper's conviction. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office confirmed Hooper's innocence in the matter. On August 12, a petition was filed in Hennepin County District Court to vacate Hooper's conviction and release him. He was finally able to reunite with his family, including his four children, on Thursday.

It is unclear if Chalaka Young will be charged after her alleged confession. She is currently in custody at the McRae Women's Facility in Helena, Georgia, on unrelated charges. The county attorney's office also confirmed Young's confession to the murder and concealing of Prazniak's body.

In a signed statement, Young expressed remorse for falsely accusing Hooper and causing harm to his family. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated that the courts have affirmed Bryan Hooper's innocence.

With Hooper's release, he plans to spend time with his family and catch up on the past 27 years. It is a moment of relief and joy for the Hooper family, who have been fighting for justice since 1998.