Missouri Judge Overturns Sandra Hemme's 43-Year Conviction

Sandra Hemme, a 64-year-old Missouri woman, had her murder conviction overturned after spending over 40 years in prison, with evidence suggesting a now-deceased police officer may have committed the crime. Judge Ryan Horsman's ruling highlighted the non-disclosure of crucial evidence, including the officer's potential involvement. Despite prosecutors appealing the decision and citing concerns about Hemme's past behavior, her lawyers argue for her immediate release, emphasizing her innocence and the unreliable nature of her confessions made under mental illness and heavy medication. Hemme's case, championed by the Innocence Project, underscores the significant flaws in the initial trial, the withheld evidence, and the potential miscarriage of justice. While Missouri's Attorney General seeks to halt her release pending further court review, Hemme's exoneration signifies a pivotal moment in addressing wrongful convictions and the need for thorough judicial scrutiny.