LIVINGSTON COUNTRY, USA – Sandra Hemme, who was wrongfully imprisoned for 43 years for a murder she did not commit, has been released following the overturning of her conviction.
At 64 years old, Hemme is now 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 the absence of forensic evidence linking her to the crime, her conviction was primarily based on a confession made under heavy sedation in a psychiatric hospital, a confession that has since been discredited.
Circuit Court Judge Ryan Horsman’s 118-page ruling, issued on June 14, detailed the findings that led to the overturning of Hemme’s conviction.
The ruling noted that crucial evidence of Hemme’s 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, could not provide a verifiable alibi, and 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 emphasised the lack of forensic evidence, motive, and witnesses linking Hemme to the crime.
Following her release on Friday, July 20, 2024, Sandra 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 hospitalised, and Hemme plans to visit him soon.
Hemme’s legal team at the Innocence Project expressed gratitude for her release and pledged to continue fighting to fully clear her name.
“We are relieved and overjoyed that Sandra Hemme can finally be with her family after decades of injustice,” said one of her lawyers.
Despite her release, Hemme still faces significant challenges. She needs assistance due to having spent most of her life in prison and is ineligible for social security benefits.
Defense lawyer Sean O’Brien underscored the ongoing support Hemme will need as she adjusts to life outside prison, stating, “Sandra has lost so many years of her life, and we must ensure she has the support and resources to rebuild it.”
Sandra Hemme’s case has drawn attention to the flaws in the US criminal justice system and the importance of ongoing efforts to prevent wrongful convictions.
