A woman who spent 43 years behind bars for a crime she did not commit has finally been granted permanent freedom after a long legal battle. Sandra Hemme, the longest-held wrongly incarcerated woman in the U.S., was released in July but faced continued opposition from the Attorney General's office.
Her attorneys argued that a discredited police officer was responsible for the crime she was convicted of. Evidence pointed to Michael Holman, a former police officer who passed away in 2015, as the likely perpetrator. Hemme's legal team at the Innocence Project presented withheld evidence that implicated Holman, including his presence at the crime scene and possession of the victim's belongings.
Despite initial resistance from the Attorney General, a judge ruled that Hemme cannot be retried, effectively clearing her of all charges. The decision was based on the establishment of 'clear and convincing evidence' of her 'actual innocence.'
Hemme's case was further complicated by the use of heavy antipsychotic medication during her initial questioning, raising doubts about the validity of her confession. Her attorneys successfully argued that the medication had influenced her statements and undermined the integrity of the investigation.
After a month-long legal battle, multiple courts sided with Hemme's defense team, culminating in a final ruling that ordered her 'permanently and unconditionally discharged from custody.' The decision marks the end of a tumultuous journey for Hemme, who can now begin to rebuild her life after decades of wrongful imprisonment.
