ufap2 eาFAida e๚F2025/01/09(Thu) 15:12 No.4541596 
A 75-year-old grandmother who spent four decades in prison for her husband's murder has been freed.
Patty Prewitt, who was the longest-serving female prisoner in Missouri, was released after Governor Mike Parson commuted her sentence in a case that was long criticized as 'sloppy and sexist.'
She was among nine commutations and 16 pardons granted by Parson on Friday.
'I am so grateful to be home with my family for Christmas,' Prewitt said in a statement.
'Thank you to Governor Mike Parson and to all the people who have supported me over the years.'
The mother of five and grandmother of 13 was serving a life sentence for the 1984 murder of her husband, Bill, who was shot dead in his sleep at the couple's farmhouse in Holden, Missouri.
She had maintained her innocence for over 40 years.
Prewitt claimed she, too, was attacked that night by an intruder who cut the phone lines and shut off the power.
Patty Prewitt, who was the longest-serving female prisoner in Missouri, was released after Governor Mike Parson commuted her sentence in a case that was long criticized as 'sloppy and sexist'
Prewitt spent four decades in prison for her husband's murder
Read More
The drug dealers, thieves and gang leaders who are granted clemency by Biden
But investigators zeroed in on Prewitt and she remained their only suspect.
The gun used in the shooting was discovered in a pond on the couple's land.
Investigators dismissed her account of someone breaking into the house and claimed that a boot print found near the murder weapon matched Prewitt's.
Prewitt had refused a plea deal, telling KCTV5 in a prison interview that she believed in the justice system and was confident she would be found not guilty.
All five of Bill and Patty's children have consistently maintained their mother's innocence, insisting someone else was in the house the night of their father's murder.
It was testimony that the jury never heard, according to the outlet.
Friday's commutation did not pardon Prewitt of the murder conviction, but did mean she could finally return home.
She had previously not been eligible for parole until 2036, when she would have been 86 years old.
Prewitt was among nine commutations and 16 pardons granted by Missouri Governor Mike Parson (pictured) on Friday
Her release comes after years of pleas from supporters, including a petition signed by over 20,000 people highlighting serious flaws in her investigation and trial
The petition emphasized that the investigators had 'tunnel vision,' ignoring leads and failing to collect key evidence from the crime scene
Her case also sparked criticism for relying on a 'discredited forensic expert' and what supporters called 'sexist attacks' on Prewitt's character to secure a conviction
Legal experts spent decades fighting to prove Prewitt's innocence, with several Missouri lawmakers pushing unsuccessfully for her release in recent years.
Last week's decision comes after years of pleas from supporters, including a petition signed by over 20,000 people highlighting serious flaws in the investigation and trial.
The petition emphasized that the investigators had 'tunnel vision,' ignoring leads and failing to collect key evidence from the crime scene.
These factors are now recognized as leading causes of wrongful convictions.
Her case also sparked criticism for relying on a 'discredited forensic expert' and what supporters called 'sexist attacks' on Prewitt's character to secure a conviction.
During her 36 years behind bars, Prewitt earned an associate's degree, worked as a computer programmer for the state for over 20 years, and mentored countless fellow inmates, according to the petition.
One former prisoner wrote: 'I know unequivocally that I never would have found my way back to fully valuing myself had it not been for Patty's influence and belief in me when I was struggling.'
Prewitt's children described the situation as a 'double tragedy' that effectively orphaned them.
In photos shared since her release, Prewitt was seen smiling ear-to-ear while embracing her grandchildren and a dog
'My husband and I have a bedroom waiting for her,' her daughter wrote in the petition.
'Our family will provide her all the support she needs to be a productive member of our community rather than a burden on Missouri taxpayers as a prisoner.'
It also included a letter to Governor Parson from Tena O'Hara, who went to college with Prewitt's daughters.
'She has been in prison for 34 years — the longest time for any woman in the state of Missouri. I went to college with Patty's daughters,' O'Hara wrote.
'I watched them struggle to raise each other without their parents. I've followed her case for years since that time.
'I believe she is innocent and is the victim of a botched investigation. From the beginning, this investigation focused on prosecuting her and only her.'
'She has served 34 years and has a family that is waiting to take her in their home where she would no longer be a financial burden to the state,' her letter continued.
'At home with her family, she could continue to do the positive work she has done during her incarceration.'
'I am so grateful to be home with my family for Christmas' Prewitt said in a statement. 'Thank you to Governor Mike Parson and to all the people who have supported me over the years'
Prewitt had not been eligible for parole until 2036, when she would have been 86 years old
All five of Bill and Patty's children have consistently maintained their mother's innocence, insisting someone else was in the house the night of their father's murder
The emotional moment of Prewitt's release was described by her daughter in a Facebook post.
'Yesterday I visited Mama Patty and had no idea it would be our last visit,' Jane Prewitt Watkins wrote.
'A little over an hour into our visit we were approached by an investigator who asked us to come with him. Then we were given the most amazing news ever.
'A few hours later we walked out together and got in my truck. We were in absolute shock. We laughed and cried made phone calls to her attorney and family all the way home. What a ride!!!!'
In photos shared since her release, Prewitt was seen smiling ear-to-ear while embracing her grandchildren and a dog.
'Tonight when I asked her if she was overwhelmed she said no I'm just whelmed. Mama has seen all her children and son in laws and 7 of her now adult grandkids and a few friends,' her daughter said in a follow-up post on Facebook.
'She hasn't seen any great grandchildren yet but hopes to meet them soon.
'I've received literally thousands of phone calls, texts, messages and emails and have no idea if I can even catch up. Thank you all!'
Missouri
my webpage: ufap2 (https://megawin55.com/)
|