Missouri judge criticizes state attorney general for postponing release of woman from prison

Missouri judge orders the release of Sandra Hemme, whose 1980 murder conviction was overturned, and directs for her to be set free by Friday evening. Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey fought the release in court, but was scolded by the judge for attempting to obstruct it. Despite a series of court decisions in favor of Hemme, Bailey continues to oppose her freedom, citing additional prison assault cases as reason for her continued incarceration. Hemme has been wrongly held for 43 years in the Chillicothe Correctional Center for the murder of Patricia Jeschke. Legal experts and her attorneys argue that her prolonged imprisonment is unjust and cruel.
Judge Horsman criticized Bailey’s efforts to keep Hemme in prison, calling it a “shock to the conscience” and a “manifest injustice.” He pointed to evidence that suggests another individual, Michael Holman, may have been responsible for the murder, but this information was not disclosed during Hemme’s trials. Despite multiple court rulings in her favor, Bailey has continued to appeal for her imprisonment. The attorney general’s actions have been met with outrage from the legal community, with some likening his stance to running over a person twice. Calls for Hemme’s immediate release have been echoed by her family and legal team, who are eagerly awaiting her reunification. As Hemme’s case continues to unfold in court, the fight for her freedom remains ongoing.

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