Missouri Woman Freed After 43 Years in Prison for Wrongful Conviction

Sandra Hemme's release follows new evidence of innocence and judicial orders defied by state attorney general.

Sandra Hemme, 64, was the longest-held wrongly incarcerated woman in the U.S., serving 43 years for a 1980 murder she did not commit.
A judge overturned Hemme's conviction, citing evidence implicating a former police officer in the crime.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey attempted to block Hemme's release, arguing she posed a safety risk.
Legal battles continued as courts repeatedly ordered Hemme's release, with the attorney general's office facing contempt threats.
Hemme's legal team criticized the difficulty of overturning wrongful convictions and the harm caused by delays.