Sandra Hemme, 64, has been released from prison after serving 43 years for a murder she did not commit. Her conviction was overturned due to new evidence and a review of her case.
Hemme was just 20 years old when she was found guilty of stabbing library worker Patricia Jeschke to death in November 1980. She was given a life sentence despite a lack of evidence linking her to the crime, aside from a confession obtained while she was under heavy sedation in a psychiatric hospital.
The Innocence Project, Hemme’s legal team, has expressed gratitude for her release and reunion with her family. However, they emphasize that her case is still under review and they will continue to fight for her full exoneration.
Circuit Court Judge Ryan Horsman’s 118-page ruling overturning Hemme’s conviction highlighted clear proof of her innocence, including evidence withheld from her defense team. The review also revealed that local police ignored evidence pointing to another suspect, Michael Holman, a police officer who later served time for another crime and died in 2015.
Hemme’s interrogation while under the influence of antipsychotic medication and a powerful sedative raised concerns about the reliability of her confession. The review found no forensic evidence linking her to the murder, no motive, and no witnesses placing her at the crime scene.
Following her release, Hemme was reunited with her family in a nearby park, where she hugged her sister, daughter, and granddaughter. Her legal team stated that she plans to visit her hospitalized father, who is receiving palliative care, as soon as possible. Defence lawyer Sean O’Brien emphasized that Hemme will require ongoing support as she rebuilds her life.
