Monday, June 17, 2013

The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

'America's Most Wanted' covers mid-Mo. murder
Posted: 05.29.2009 at 10:59 PM
4
Dale Helmig was convicted of murdering his mother.
Slideshow
Photo:

AMW makes case for new trial for Dale Helmig

JEFFERSON CITY -- A mid-Missouri murder case is getting some national attention this weekend.

The popular TV show "America's Most Wanted," which normally tries to track down criminals, will instead offer a one hour special Saturday on Dale Helmig who was convicted of murdering his mother in 1995.

The show's producers say Helmig deserves a new trial.

"There's not one solid fact, nothing that ties my brother to this crime," said Richard Helmig, Dale's brother. "There's nothing."

Richard Helmig is adamant that Dale didn't kill their mother in 1993. "Absolutely not," he said. "They had a wonderful relationship."

During the Great Flood of '93, their mother, Norma Helmig, disappeared. Her body was found along the Osage River. Richard says then-prosecutor Kenny Hulshof zeroed in on his brother.

"Instead of letting the evidence lead them to the perpetrator," said Helmig. "They went out and found out everything they could use against" Dale.

Richard says there were a number of missteps at trial, including a lack of evidence.

"They twisted the facts," he said. "They lied, flat out lied on the witness stand. They manipulated evidence. They did everything they could."

Dale Helmig has been behind bars for almost 14 years. He's serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. But his case is getting a second look - thanks to "America's Most Wanted."

"I think there are lots of people that realize there are innocent people in jail," said the show's host, John Walsh. "That the criminal justice system is the criminal injustice system."

In a video preview on the show's Web site, Walsh says there were "prosecutorial missteps" during the trial. We were unable to contact Hulshof but he has said previously that he stands by the jury's decision.

Richard Helmig noted that the conviction of Joshua Kezer - another case prosecuted by Hulshof - was recently set aside and that gives the family hope.

"America's Most Wanted" will devote an entire show, a full hour, to the Helmig story Sat. May 30 at 8 p.m.

Richard hopes the publicity will prompt authorities to give his brother's case a second look.

"We're asking for a new trial," he said. "That's all we're asking for. Just a new trial. Let the facts come out and I guarantee you that the outcome will be different."

Related Links

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Suspected drunk boater arrested after serious accident
Juliette Dryer  |  Saturday, June 15, 2013  |  27 comments
Thumbnail
Missing Camdenton man presumed drowned
Yesterday at 8:28 AM  |  1 comment
Thumbnail
Man allegedly sets wife, home on fire with gasoline
Jessica Troike  |  Yesterday at 9:36 PM  |  8 comments
Follow Connect Mid-Missouri
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
ADVERTISEMENT