Patty Prewitt, who holds the record for being the longest-serving female prisoner in Missouri, has finally been granted her freedom.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced on Friday that Prewitt’s sentence, along with those of nine others, has been commuted. In addition to these commutations, Parson also granted pardons to 16 individuals.
Investigators immediately focused their attention on Patty as the prime suspect and dismissed her claim that someone else was present in the house.
Eventually, they discovered the murder weapon in a pond located on the couple’s property. The investigators believed that a boot print found nearby matched Patty’s boot.
Patty has consistently maintained her innocence throughout the entire ordeal. Despite being offered a plea deal at one point, she steadfastly refused it.
During a prison interview with KCTV5 Investigates, Patty expressed her unwavering belief in the justice system and her confidence that she would ultimately be proven not guilty. However, it is important to note that Patty remains the sole suspect in the case.
Bill and Patty’s children have always maintained their belief in their mother’s innocence. They were adamant that someone else was present in the house on the night of Bill’s murder, although this information was never presented to the jury.
The case has faced significant criticism for its sloppy and sexist handling. Lawyers have tirelessly fought for decades to establish her innocence. In recent years, numerous Missouri lawmakers have made repeated efforts to secure her release, to no avail. However, all that changed on Friday.
Prewitt’s sentence being commuted does not excuse her from the murder conviction, but it does grant her release.
