Annette Cahill a wife, mother, and grandmother who is currently serving a 50 year prison sentence for second-degree murder--- a crime she did not commit. 

In 1992, Corey Wieneke was beaten to death in his bedroom in West Liberty, Iowa.  Annette was a friend and lover of Corey's in 1992.  Corey was a beloved member of his community, a local bartender, but also was known to deal drugs, gamble and engaged in multiple romantic relationships. 

 Despite all the possible motives, the investigation went cold and no arrests were made.  Corey's family, friends and fiancé grieved and eventually continued their lives, including Annette.

In 2018, Jessica Becker, a 26 year old nurse, allegedly told investigators she overheard Annette confess to killing Corey,  17 years prior when she was 9 years old.  After this Annette was charged, tried and convicted of Corey's murder. 

Central to the conviction is a baseball bat, alleged to be the murder weapon in this case. Recent and conclusive DNA testing has incontrovertibly shown that Annette's DNA and Corey's DNA is not present on the bat.

Even more concerning, unknown DNA profiles were found on it. Despite this revelation, the State of Iowa has refused to attempt to identify the individuals to whom they belong.

Annette's trial was marked with multiple due process violations.  The prosecutor told the jury that DNA testing on the bat was not possible--now we know that was not true.  Prosecutors have an obligation to do justice.  Refusing to acknowledge the Constitutional errors at trial that deprived Annette of a fair trial with due process and refusing to investigate new exculpatory DNA evidence damages the integrity of the criminal legal system.  

Annette Cahill deserves justice. The evidence demands a thorough review and an unbiased consideration.   New scientific evidence does not support Annette's conviction.   Fairness to the Wieneke family requires the conviction be vacated and investigation resumed. 

This petition calls upon the  Muscatine County Attorney's Office to seek to vacate the conviction in the interest of justice.  Let us correct this mistake and allow her to return to her family and community, where she rightfully belongs. Sign this petition to vacate the wrongful conviction of Annette Cahill and uphold justice.