Todd Mullis Corn Rake Case: New Trial? Latest Updates

Can justice be truly blind when doubt still lingers in the shadows of a closed case? Todd Mullis, convicted of the gruesome corn rake murder of his wife, Amy, in Delaware County, Iowa, is not giving up, as he relentlessly pursues a new trial, clinging to the hope that newly discovered evidence will overturn his life sentence.

The case, which has captivated and horrified the nation, took place on November 10, 2018, on the Mullis's farm near Earlville. Amy Mullis was found dead, impaled by a corn rake. Her husband, Todd, claimed it was a tragic accident. However, prosecutors painted a far different picture, alleging that Todd Mullis intentionally murdered his wife. The ensuing trial was a whirlwind of conflicting testimonies, forensic evidence, and shocking revelations, ultimately leading to Mullis's conviction and a sentence of life in prison without parole in 2019.

Now, Mullis is fighting back, claiming that new evidence has surfaced that warrants a new trial. He argues that these "material facts," not previously presented during the original trial, could potentially change the outcome. The specifics of this new evidence remain largely undisclosed, shrouded in legal strategy, but Mullis's legal team is confident that it raises significant doubts about his guilt. The decision on whether or not Mullis will be granted a new trial rests with the judge, with a ruling expected after April 8.

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The details of the day Amy Mullis died are chilling. According to court documents and testimonies, Todd Mullis found Amy in the farm's red shed, face down, with the corn rake protruding from her back. He claimed he checked for a pulse and breathing, then instructed a family member, identified as T.M., to bring the truck. Instead of immediately calling 911, Mullis waited for T.M. to arrive. Together, they loaded Amy into the truck and began driving towards the hospital.

It wasn't until they were en route that Mullis called 911 at 12:01 p.m. He reported that Amy had fallen on a corn rake. The 911 operator instructed them to pull over and administer CPR, which Mullis claims he did. Deputy Luke Thomsen arrived on the scene and took over CPR efforts. Amy Mullis was pronounced dead at the hospital.

During the initial investigation, Mullis maintained that his wife's death was a freak accident. However, authorities grew suspicious, and the case took a dark turn. The prosecution argued that the circumstances surrounding Amy's death were too improbable to be accidental. They pointed to the unusual nature of the injury, the delay in calling 911, and alleged inconsistencies in Mullis's account of the events.

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Furthermore, the prosecution presented evidence suggesting a motive for the murder. They claimed that Todd Mullis suspected Amy of having an affair and that this jealousy fueled his rage. Adding fuel to the fire, prosecutors played portions of the 911 call in court, alleging that Mullis could be heard calling Amy a "cheating whore." This claim, vehemently denied by Mullis and his defense team, became a central point of contention in the trial.

The trial was a media frenzy, with every detail scrutinized and debated. The prosecution presented a compelling case, weaving together forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and the alleged 911 call to paint a picture of a calculated murder. The defense, on the other hand, argued that the prosecution's case was based on speculation and conjecture, lacking concrete proof of Mullis's guilt. They emphasized the lack of eyewitnesses and the possibility of a tragic accident.

Despite the defense's efforts, the jury found Todd Mullis guilty of first-degree murder. Before being sentenced by Delaware County Judge Thomas Bitter, Mullis proclaimed his innocence, stating, "I never did this." However, his plea fell on deaf ears, and he was handed a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. The conviction sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many grappling with the tragic loss of Amy Mullis and the unsettling reality that one of their own was capable of such violence.

Now, years later, the case is back in the spotlight. This isn't an appeal, but a post-conviction relief act hearing. Mullis's legal team is leveraging this legal avenue to present their "new" evidence and argue that his conviction should be overturned. The core of their argument rests on the claim that this previously unavailable information would have materially affected the outcome of the trial.

The specifics of the new evidence remain tightly guarded, but it is understood to involve potential inconsistencies in the original investigation, alternative explanations for Amy's death, and possibly even new witnesses who have come forward with information. Mullis's team hopes to cast doubt on the prosecution's narrative and convince the judge that a new trial is warranted in the interest of justice.

The case has also drawn attention from true crime enthusiasts and legal experts alike. CBS's "48 Hours," a program known for its in-depth investigations and its track record of uncovering wrongful convictions, has reportedly taken an interest in the case. The involvement of "48 Hours" could potentially bring new scrutiny to the evidence and raise further questions about the fairness of the original trial.

The legal process for a post-conviction relief hearing is complex and demanding. Mullis's legal team must demonstrate that the new evidence is not only credible but also that it could not have been discovered earlier through reasonable diligence. They must also convince the judge that this evidence would likely have changed the outcome of the trial. This is a high bar to clear, but Mullis's team is determined to fight for his freedom.

For the family and friends of Amy Mullis, the prospect of a new trial is undoubtedly agonizing. They have already endured the trauma of her death and the emotional rollercoaster of the original trial. The possibility that Mullis could be released, or even given a new trial, must be a source of immense pain and anxiety. They maintain their belief in his guilt and are likely to oppose any efforts to overturn his conviction.

The Delaware County community remains divided over the case. Some believe that Mullis is guilty and that justice has been served. Others harbor doubts, questioning the strength of the evidence and the possibility of a wrongful conviction. The prospect of a new trial has reopened old wounds and ignited renewed debate about the events that transpired on that fateful day in November 2018.

The judge's decision on whether to grant Mullis a new trial is expected after April 8. The ruling will have significant implications, not only for Mullis and the Mullis family, but also for the community of Delaware County and the broader legal system. If the judge grants a new trial, it would mean that the case will be reopened, and all the evidence will be re-examined. This could lead to a different outcome, potentially resulting in Mullis's acquittal or a reduced sentence.

If the judge denies a new trial, Mullis's options for appeal are limited. He could potentially appeal the judge's decision to a higher court, but the chances of success would be slim. Barring any further legal breakthroughs, Mullis would likely spend the rest of his life in prison.

Regardless of the outcome, the case of Todd Mullis and the corn rake murder of Amy Mullis serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of the justice system and the enduring power of doubt. It highlights the importance of thorough investigations, fair trials, and the ongoing pursuit of truth, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable evidence.

The legal battle surrounding Todd Mullis continues, fueled by claims of new evidence and the unwavering pursuit of a new trial. As the Delaware County community and the nation watch with bated breath, the question remains: will justice prevail, or will doubt continue to cast a shadow over this tragic case?

February 25, 2025 | Last updated:

Prosecutors alleged that Mullis killed his wife by hitting her [...]. Todd Mullis was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing his wife with a corn rake on their Iowa farm. Todd Mullis is seeking a new trial in his wife's corn rake death. The judge's decision on whether or not Todd Mullis will get a new trial is expected after April 8. Todd Mullis called 911 as the family raced to the hospital. After the 911 operator told them to pull over and wait for an ambulance, they did, according to CBS News. When the ambulance and Amy Mullis arrived at the hospital, she was pronounced dead. Todd Mullis has since been convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Prosecutors said he killed his wife, Amy Mullis, on their farm just outside Earlville in November 2018. Mullis argues in his request for a new trial that there "exists evidence of material facts, not previously presented and heard, that requires vacation."

Todd Mullis, who was convicted in 2019 of killing his wife, Amy Mullis, on their farm north of Earlville, is seeking a new trial. Amy Mullis was fatally stabbed in the back with a corn rake in November 2018. Todd Mullis had a wife, Amy, and they had three children. The family lived in Earlville, Iowa, and he worked as a farmer. But on November 10, 2018, his wife breathed her last. He called her death a freak accident, but authorities were not too convinced. Eventually, Todd was indicted for murdering Amy. "I never did this," Todd Mullis said right before Delaware County Judge Thomas Bitter imposed a mandatory life sentence. Todd Mullis is fighting to get his conviction overturned in his wife's death. Todd Mullis, convicted of killing his wife with a corn rake, is fighting for a new trial. He went into the red shed and found Amy on her hands and knees facedown with the corn rake sticking out of her back. He checked whether Amy had a pulse or was breathing. Todd ran over and told T.M. to get the truck and bring it over. Todd did not render aid or call 911 while he waited for T.M.

There was no suspense about the prison sentence of Iowa man Todd Mullis. That is what happened on Friday. He is escorted from the courtroom. Todd Mullis is fighting to get his conviction overturned in his wife's death. These reports have steered public attention toward many crimes that have transpired in America over a long period of time. CBS's "48 Hours" has even been successful in overturning wrongful convictions during their prolonged run. A man convicted of killing his wife is seeking a new trial. Before being sentenced by Judge Thomas Bitter, Mullis proclaimed his innocence. The corn rake killer case is back in court. This isn't an appeal; it's a post-conviction relief act hearing. Very interesting. Mullis has claims of new evidence. In the truck, Todd put Amy on T.M.'s lap, and they set off for the hospital. While driving, Todd called 911 at 12:01 p.m. and said Amy fell on a corn rake. The operator told Todd to pull over and perform CPR, which Todd did. Deputy Luke Thomsen arrived on the scene and took over CPR. A life sentence from 2020 is now under question after lawyers for Todd Mullis.

Todd removed the rake and began driving her to the hospital until a 911 dispatcher told him to pull over and let first responders meet them. Prosecutors argued he called Amy a "cheating whore" in the 911 call and played it multiple times in court. More | Todd Mullis accused of calling his wife Amy Mullis a 'cheating whore' during 911 call. Prosecutors said he killed his wife, Amy Mullis, on their farm just outside Earlville in November 2018. Mullis argues in his request for a new trial that there "exists evidence of material facts, not previously presented and heard, that requires vacation."