Sandra Hemme, who was wrongly imprisoned for 43 years for a murder she did not commit, has been released after her conviction was overturned. At 64 years old, she is believed to have served the longest known wrongful conviction for a woman in U.S. history.
Hemme, who was 20 at the time, was convicted in 1981 for the stabbing death of library worker Patricia Jeschke. Despite no forensic evidence linking her to the crime, her conviction was largely based on a confession made under heavy sedation in a psychiatric hospital, which has since been discredited.
Circuit Court Judge Ryan Horsman issued a 118-page ruling on June 14 detailing the findings that led to the overturning of Hemme’s conviction. The ruling revealed that evidence of her innocence had been withheld from her defense team and that local police ignored evidence implicating one of their own officers, Michael Holman.
Holman, who later went to prison for another crime and died in 2015, had his truck seen near the crime scene, his alibi could not be verified, and he used Jeschke’s credit card. Distinctive earrings belonging to Jeschke were also found in Holman’s possession.
Judge Horsman’s review highlighted that Hemme’s confession was made under the influence of antipsychotic medication and a powerful sedative, impairing her ability to understand and respond accurately during interrogation. The ruling emphasized the lack of forensic evidence, motive, and witnesses linking Hemme to the crime.
After her release, Hemme was reunited with her family in a nearby park, sharing emotional moments with her sister, daughter, and granddaughter. Her father, who is in palliative care, remains hospitalized, and Hemme plans to visit him soon.
The Innocence Project, Hemme’s legal team, expressed gratitude for her release and pledged to continue fighting to fully clear her name. Despite her release, Hemme still faces challenges, including her need for assistance due to spending most of her life in prison and being ineligible for social security benefits.
Defense lawyer Sean O’Brien underscored the ongoing support Hemme will need as she adjusts to life outside prison.
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