Ozarks True Crime: "The Sandra Hemme Story: UPDATE: The Judge's Decision"
Released on June 18, 2024, "Ozarks True Crime" delves deep into the heart-wrenching tale of Sandra Hemme, a woman who spent over four decades wrongfully incarcerated for a murder she did not commit. In this pivotal episode, host Anne Roderique-Jones unveils a significant breakthrough in Sandra's case, shedding light on the relentless pursuit of justice in the mysterious Ozarks region.
1. A Groundbreaking Development
Timestamp: 01:08
The episode kicks off with Anne delivering electrifying news from the field. On June 14, 2024, Judge Ryan Horstman overturned Sandra Hemme's conviction, a decision that has been eagerly anticipated by supporters and the Innocence Project alike.
“Today is a special episode. We have a huge breakthrough in the Sandra Hemme case and we want to tell you all about it.” — Anne Roderique-Jones [01:08]
Anne narrates her surprising circumstances—staying in a remote area in Nicaragua—and how she received the life-changing news ahead of the expected timeline. She immediately contacts Sean O'Brien from Sandy's local council for the Innocence Project, who confirms the favorable ruling.
2. Revisiting Sandra Hemme's Ordeal
Timestamp: 02:44
For listeners new to the story, Anne provides a concise yet comprehensive recap of Sandra Hemme's wrongful conviction:
- The Crime: On November 12, 1980, Patricia Jeske was found murdered in her St. Joseph, Missouri apartment.
- Sandra's Situation: Despite having no connection to Jeske and being a psychiatric patient at St. Joseph State Hospital at the time, Sandra was interrogated multiple times without any physical, forensic, or eyewitness evidence linking her to the crime.
- Innocence Project Intervention: In the summer of 2023, Sandra's attorneys filed a 147-page petition with the Innocence Project, highlighting previously unpresented evidence that eventually led to her hearing.
“Sandra or Sandy Hemmy has been serving the past four plus decades in prison for a murder that was likely committed by a St. Joseph police officer.” — Anne Roderique-Jones [02:44]
3. The Judge's Ruling Explained
Timestamp: 03:38
Judge Ryan Horstman's ruling is dissected in detail, emphasizing its significance:
- New Evidence: The judge found that evidence directly implicates the now-deceased former police officer Michael Holman in Jeske's murder.
- Sandra's Disproven Statements: The only link between Sandra and the crime was her inconsistent and disproven statements made during a psychiatric crisis.
- Reasonable Doubt: The court concluded that the state's case against Sandra lacked the necessary weight to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The only evidence linking Ms. Hemmy to the crime was that of her own inconsistent disproven statements... it would be difficult to imagine that the state could prove Ms. Hemmy's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” — Judge Ryan Horstman (as reported by Anne Roderique-Jones) [03:38]
4. Community and Personal Reactions
Timestamp: 04:38
Rick Hartigan, a key figure in bringing Sandra's plight to light, shares his mixed emotions upon hearing the news:
“Well, this has never been about me. It's been about Sandra and the legal justice system... I can't imagine the feelings that Sandy and her family are having right now.” — Rick Hartigan [04:38]
Rick reflects on the personal toll of the long fight for justice and the validation he feels knowing his early reporting was accurate. He also expresses concern over the community's lack of response and emphasizes the profound loss Sandra has endured.
5. Implications of the Ruling and Next Steps
Timestamp: 06:00
Anne outlines the procedural steps following the judge's decision:
- Motion for Release: A 10-page motion has been filed, citing Sandra's age, supportive family, and lack of threat to society.
- Prosecutor's Choices: The Buchanan County prosecutor now has 30 days to either dismiss the charges entirely or proceed to a new trial.
- Potential Outcomes:
- Dismissal: Sandra would be free immediately.
- New Trial: If charges persist, Sandra remains a defendant but with significantly weakened grounds against her.
“This is sort of the beginning. Now that this monumental decision has been made, we're going to see if Sandy will soon be released...” — Anne Roderique-Jones [06:00]
6. Hope for the Future and Family's Perspective
Timestamp: 08:15
Looking ahead, Anne shares messages from those closest to Sandra. Jane Poocher from the Innocence Project expresses gratitude towards the court's acknowledgment of Sandra's injustice and underscores the ongoing fight for her complete exoneration.
“We will continue to fight until all charges are dismissed and Ms. Hemmy is reunited with her family.” — Jane Poocher, Innocence Project [07:30]
Additionally, Sandra's daughter, Melissa, communicates her family's relief and anticipation for her mother's release, though Anne refrains from sharing detailed conversations to respect legal advice.
“We are so very happy and grateful for Judge Horstman's ruling and we are anxiously awaiting for her to come home.” — Melissa Hemme [08:39]
7. Rick Hartigan's Vision for Sandra's Future
Timestamp: 08:15
Rick Hartigan envisions a hopeful yet sobering future for Sandra:
“I'd like to envision that she gets out and has a great meal, sits around with the family... try and pick up some pieces in these last years of her life...” — Rick Hartigan [08:15]
He expresses a heartfelt desire for Sandra to rebuild her life, surrounded by loved ones, after enduring such an extended period of wrongful imprisonment.
Conclusion
This episode of "Ozarks True Crime" masterfully weaves a narrative of injustice, resilience, and the relentless quest for truth. The overturning of Sandra Hemme's conviction marks a monumental step towards rectifying a grave wrong, yet it also underscores the enduring challenges faced by those seeking justice after decades of wrongful imprisonment. As the community awaits the prosecutor's decision, the hope for Sandra's freedom remains a beacon of light in a long, arduous journey.
Notable Quotes:
- “I'm in Nicaragua, staying at a home that's high up in the jungle, and I'm searching for a place on the porch where I can get decent WI fi.” — Anne Roderique-Jones [01:08]
- “We filed a motion to release her last night. Now we wait for the judge to rule.” — Sean O'Brien (as referenced by Anne) [01:08]
- “This is the moment we've been waiting for throughout the season.” — Anne Roderique-Jones [02:44]
- “We will continue to fight until all charges are dismissed and Ms. Hemmy is reunited with her family.” — Jane Poocher, Innocence Project [07:30]
- “Thank God for Judge Horstman... after all these years, somebody listened.” — Rick Hartigan [06:00]
For more updates on Sandra Hemme's journey towards freedom and other gripping true crime stories from the Ozarks, subscribe to "Ozarks True Crime" on your preferred podcast platform.