Missouri’s Longest-Serving Female Inmate Freed After Decades Behind Bars

A 75-year-old grandmother, who served 40 years in prison for her husband’s murder, has been released.

By Sheenu Gupta On Dec 25, 2024 Share with new partner:

After spending 40 years behind bars for the 1984 murder of her husband, Patty Prewitt has been released from prison, just in time to celebrate Christmas with her family. Prewitt, Missouri’s longest-serving female prisoner, was one of nine individuals whose sentences were commuted by Governor Mike Parson on Friday.

In a heartfelt statement following her release, the 75-year-old grandmother expressed her gratitude. “I am so grateful to be home with my family for Christmas,” she said. “Thank you to Governor Mike Parson and to all the people who have supported me over the years.”

Prewitt had been serving a life sentence for the murder of her husband, William “Bill” Edward Prewitt, who was killed in his sleep on February 18, 1984, at their home in the rural Missouri town of Holden. Her case had drawn significant attention over the years, with advocates criticizing the investigation and trial as flawed and calling for her release.

Prewitt’s commutation marks the end of her four-decade incarceration and offers her the opportunity to reunite with her loved ones and rebuild her life after decades of separation.

The tragic murder deeply impacted the small, close-knit community where Patty and William “Bill” Prewitt were well-known and admired as a seemingly perfect couple, often described as an “all-American pair,” according to earlier reports by The Kansas City Star.

Patty Prewitt maintained that the incident occurred during a home invasion. She stated that an unknown individual entered their house at night and attacked them while they were asleep. According to her account, her 35-year-old husband was fatally injured, and she herself suffered injuries during the struggle.

However, investigators at the time reported finding no evidence of a break-in or forced entry. Based on this, they shifted their focus to Prewitt, ultimately identifying her as a suspect in the case. This led to her conviction and a life sentence, which she served until her recent release.

The murder weapon was discovered in a pond located on the couple’s property. Investigators suspected that a boot print found in the pond bed matched a pair of boots owned by Patty Prewitt.

During Patty Prewitt’s trial, prosecutors argued that she attempted to dispose of the murder weapon by throwing it into a pond on her property. When the gun reportedly got stuck in the muddy bottom, they claimed she entered the water and used her boot to push it down further.

Before the trial, Prewitt was offered a plea deal that would have allowed her to be eligible for parole after serving just five to seven years. However, she refused the deal, maintaining her innocence and choosing to fight the charges in court. Following her conviction, she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, making her Missouri’s longest-serving female inmate.

A mother of five, Prewitt has consistently proclaimed her innocence throughout her four decades behind bars. Her case has drawn significant attention from legal experts and advocates, who have pointed to serious concerns about the investigation and trial. They argue that she was the victim of an inadequate investigation and a flawed judicial process, which led to her lengthy imprisonment despite lingering questions about her guilt.

Over the years, Patty Prewitt filed numerous clemency requests, garnering steadfast support from her family, including her five children. They have long maintained that she was wrongfully convicted and have been vocal advocates for her release. Her family has consistently argued that she was unjustly imprisoned and worked tirelessly to bring attention to her case.

A website dedicated to advocating for Prewitt’s clemency highlighted several concerns about the original investigation. It claimed that investigators disregarded credible leads that pointed to the possibility of an intruder being responsible for the crime.

Additionally, it alleged that authorities failed to collect critical evidence that might have identified the individual Prewitt says attacked her and murdered her husband. These oversights, according to her supporters, undermined the integrity of the case and contributed to a wrongful conviction.

Patty Prewitt was released from prison on Friday, according to a report by the Associated Press. Social media posts indicate that she is now enjoying the holiday season surrounded by her family. While Governor Mike Parson commuted her sentence, allowing her release on parole, the commutation does not absolve her of her murder conviction. She remains officially convicted of the crime.

Prewitt’s commutation was one of nine granted by the governor on Friday, alongside 16 pardons. Among the other high-profile cases was that of Eric DeValkenaere, a former Kansas City police detective. DeValkenaere had been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2021 for the fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb, a Black man, in December 2019. These acts of clemency represent significant decisions in cases that have garnered widespread attention and debate.