How a historic ruling shaped our true crime podcast in real time
Why Sandra Hemme’s story — and wrongful conviction — matter
We started working on Ozarks True Crime in 2021, as one of the first Original series to become part of our network. Host Anne Roderique-Jones, a long-time journalist and writer, came to us with the idea based on the disappearance of three women, dubbed ‘The Springfield Three’, that occurred in her hometown of Springfield, Missouri.
More than three million downloads later, we came across another case in Missouri that surprisingly hadn’t received much public attention: the story of Sandra Hemme.
Sandra was a 20-year-old psychiatric patient at a Missouri hospital when she was found guilty of murder — despite any solid evidence, DNA or connection with the victim — and spent four decades behind bars.
“I was surprised to see so little media coverage of Sandra’s case, and knew we needed to report on it in real time. I was especially infuriated to see the clear injustice and lack of care that Sandra faced, along with so many others living with mental illness”. — Anne Roderique-Jones, host, Ozarks True Crime
We first began research and production on the series last fall, understanding that we were at the mercy of the court’s timelines. In January of 2024, our team traveled to Chillicothe, Missouri to attend Sandra’s evidentiary hearing and speak with key community members.
Reporting on a case in real time was something we’d never done before, and after spending a week attending daily hearings, we awaited an update on Sandra’s case, expecting news no earlier than the Fall of 2024.
Until. June 14.
A judge overturned Sandra’s conviction, ruling her innocent.
This is a historic ruling not only for the state of Missouri, but also for the country. The case of Sandra Hemme — which was taken on by the Innocence Project — will create a basis for large-scale change when it comes to the treatment of people living with mental illness within the justice system.
Our aim has always been to approach Sandra’s story with care, and make sure these stories of injustice are heard with the goal to affect change.
Listen to Anne’s update regarding this historic decision on Ozarks True Crime:
— —
About editaudio
We’re queer-owned podcast production company built as a direct response to the lack of gender diversity and LGBTQ+ representation in the industry.
We are a team of creative professionals working in Canada, the US and the UK to help clients build shows that reach their audiences in industries like tech, education, news and pop culture.
With more than 3 million downloads across our Network of Original series, our award-winning women and LGBTQ+ led podcasts connect with audiences around the world, and share stories from underrepresented voices and communities.
