A judge in Missouri has overturned the conviction of Sandra Hemme, a woman who spent 43 years in prison for a 1980 killing. The judge ruled that Hemme, now 64, had established evidence of actual innocence and must be released within 30 days unless prosecutors retry her in the case of Patricia Jeschke's death.
The judge cited ineffective trial counsel and prosecutors failing to reveal evidence that could have helped Hemme's defense. Hemme's attorneys, who filed a motion for her immediate release, stated that this is the longest time a woman has been incarcerated for a wrongful conviction.
Authorities initially questioned Hemme while she was heavily sedated and unable to articulate coherent responses. Her lawyers argued that evidence implicating a former police officer, Michael Holman, was suppressed. The judge found no evidence connecting Hemme to the crime but tied Holman directly to the murder scene.
Jeschke's body was found in 1980, leading to Hemme being questioned after showing up at a nurse's home with a knife. Hemme, who had a history of psychiatric treatment, was discharged from a hospital the day before Jeschke's death.
After initially accusing another man of the murder, Hemme later claimed responsibility under coercive circumstances. Subsequent investigations pointed towards Holman, who had suspicious activities around the crime scene and attempted to use Jeschke's credit card.
The case against Hemme was marred by coercive interrogations and legal missteps, leading to her conviction being overturned after decades of incarceration. Her attorneys have vowed to continue efforts to dismiss the charges and reunite Hemme with her family.
