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Missouri Woman's Conviction Overturned After 43 Years in Prison

Sandra Hemme freed as new evidence points to former police officer in 1980 murder case

Overview

  • Judge Ryan Horsman ruled that Sandra Hemme's statements were unreliable and her trial counsel ineffective.
  • Evidence implicates former police officer Michael Holman, who tried to use the victim's credit card.
  • Hemme was heavily sedated and confused during initial questioning, leading to inconsistent statements.
  • Prosecutors withheld evidence that would have aided Hemme's defense.
  • Hemme's case is the longest wrongful incarceration of a woman in U.S. history.