A Missouri woman, Sandra Hemme, who spent 43 years in prison for a murder conviction that is now overturned, was ruled innocent by Judge Ryan Horsman on June 15, 2024. The judge's ruling came after Hemme's legal team presented evidence that directly ties the killing of Patricia Jeschke to a local police officer named Michael Holman, who died in 2015.
Hemme was convicted of the November 13, 1980 killing based on her confessions while she was a psychiatric patient. However, her attorneys argued that these confessions were made under heavy medication and did not match the crime scene evidence. They also pointed out that Holman had a history of insurance fraud and burglaries and used Jeschke's credit card to buy photography equipment on the day her body was found.
The judge agreed with Hemme's legal team, stating that there is clear and convincing evidence of her innocence. He also noted that Hemme had ineffective legal counsel during her trial and that important evidence was not disclosed to the defense.
Hemme's attorneys plan to seek her immediate release from prison. The case marks the longest time a woman has been incarcerated for a wrongful conviction in US history.
The investigation into Holman's involvement in Jeschke's death began when detectives discovered that his truck was spotted near the crime scene and earrings belonging to Jeschke were found hidden in his apartment. He was also being investigated for insurance fraud and burglaries at the time of her murder.
Despite this evidence, Holman's case against Hemme proceeded, with no further investigation into his involvement in Jeschke's death. The judge noted that the failure to respond to the FBI's request for clearer palm prints of Holman was a significant oversight that resulted in an unfair trial and a verdict unworthy of confidence.
Hemme, who is now 64 years old, has spent her entire adult life in prison. It remains to be seen whether prosecutors will seek a retrial or dismiss the case.
