Missouri Court Overturns Sandra Hemme's Murder Conviction

The Missouri Court of Appeals has upheld the release of Sandra Hemme, who served 43 years for a murder she did not commit, vacating her conviction in a significant legal victory. Hemme's case, which began with her conviction in 1985 for the murder of librarian Patricia Jeschke, was marked by claims of police misconduct and the suppression of critical evidence, including links to a now-deceased police officer. Despite opposition from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who sought to challenge her release, the appellate court found his arguments unconvincing and criticized the lack of a thorough investigation into the former officer's involvement. The court's unanimous decision reflects broader issues in wrongful convictions and the legal system's handling of exculpatory evidence. Hemme's attorneys, including those from the Innocence Project, celebrated the ruling as a triumph against injustice, highlighting the need for accountability in similar cases. The Buchanan County Prosecutor's Office now has 10 days to decide whether to retry Hemme.