Washington (CNN) A Minnesota teenager who was sentenced to life in prison under then-County Attorney Amy Klobuchar claims that she "gave the police free rein and said, 'Just bring me back a conviction,' " without studying the evidence.

The case in question is that of Myon Burrell, who was sentenced to life for the killing of 11-year-old Tyesha Edwards in 2002. But now, with the backing of new evidence, Burrell's claims of innocence -- and Klobuchar's record as Hennepin County attorney -- are garnering new attention as the senator from Minnesota seeks the Democratic presidential nomination.

"That's what the district attorney's job is, is to either charge or not charge. You never took the time to look into this case. You never took the time to go and actually see, is this true or is this false? You know what I mean?" Burrell said of Klobuchar.

"I believe she gave the police free rein and said, 'Just bring me back a conviction.' "

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