Missouri woman freed after 43 years due to overturned murder conviction

In a historic turn of events, after more than 40 years behind bars, Sandra “Sandy” Hemme, a Missouri woman, had her murder conviction overturned. The judge ruled that there was “clear and convincing” evidence of her innocence in the 1980 slaying of Patricia Jeschke.

Livingston county circuit judge Ryan Horsman found that the evidence pointed to a local police officer, now deceased, as the culprit. This decision marks the longest-known wrongful conviction of a woman in US history, according to the Innocence Project.

Hemme’s legal team presented compelling arguments supporting her innocence, highlighting the exploitation of her mental illness during police interviews. They also revealed suppressed evidence implicating the police officer, Michael Holman.

This breakthrough brings hope to Hemme, who spent most of her life battling mental health issues within the justice system. The ruling exposes flaws in the initial investigation and prosecution, shedding light on a grave injustice that persisted for decades.