MINNEAPOLIS — More than 20 years after testifying as a witness in the murder of 77-year-old Ann Prazniak, Chalaka Young had a change of heart.

After swearing under oath that she saw Bryan Hooper Jr. kill Prazniak, Young finally admitted in July 2025 she was the one who committed the murder.

Weeks after being reported missing, Prazniak’s body was discovered on April 15, 1998, in a cardboard box, hidden under Christmas lights and blankets in her apartment closet.

Both Hooper and Young became potential suspects. Each had been identified going in and out of Prazniak’s apartment. Hooper's DNA was detected on a beer can and small plastic bag. Young’s DNA was found on the tape tied around Prazniak’s head.

Young, who was serving time for a different sentence, was offered a deal. If she came fo

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