Miriam Helmick, found guilty over a decade ago for the murder of her husband Alan Helmick, has recently opened up about her stance on the conviction that sentenced her to life without parole. In an exclusive interview, Helmick, now in the Colorado Women’s Correctional Facility, continues to declare her innocence as she sheds new light on her relationship with Alan and the tragic day of his death.
Their bond began on the dance floor, where Miriam, a dance instructor, met Alan during ballroom dance lessons. Their friendship blossomed into love, leading to marriage and shared dreams, as Miriam describes Alan as a 'very kind, very sweet man' deeply ingrained in the community.
However, those dreams turned nightmarish on June 10, 2008. According to Miriam, her husband was supposed to join her for lunch. Unable to reach him, she returned to their Whitewater, Colorado, home to a shocking scene: Alan lying in a pool of blood. The house was ransacked, and a frantic Miriam called the authorities.
Investigators, including Robin Martin of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, recollected finding Miriam distressed at the scene. Initial observations noted a bullet casing beside Alan’s body, but there was no sign of forced entry. The investigation quickly turned towards Miriam, testing her for gunshot residue, which came back negative, along with verified alibis through shopping receipts and phone records.
Miriam recounted a peculiar incident weeks before Alan's murder that added complexity to the case. Alan’s vehicle appeared to be sabotaged with a wick in the gas tank, leading to a fire while they were in Delta, Colorado. In police records, Alan had dismissed suggestions of Miriam's involvement, although Miriam theorized Alan’s involvement for potential insurance gain.
Despite persistent investigation into her innocence, Miriam became further entangled when surveillance footage showed her buying a card with a threatening message shortly after Alan's death—a move she claims was to galvanize the police’s sluggish response to her safety concerns.
Prosecutors highlighted financial inconsistencies, alleging Miriam’s motive lay in financial gain, citing unreliable transactions approximating $40,000 from Alan’s account. Despite Miriam's explanation of shared financial responsibilities for their joint businesses, she was charged and convicted of murder and forgery.
Miriam’s determination to prove her innocence is unwavering; though her appeals have been consistently denied, she remains hopeful for a reversal. Alan’s friends and family hold on to cherished memories, choosing to focus on the positive aspects of his life rather than the tragic circumstances of his murder.
Miriam insists she will not stop until she clears her name, asserting, 'I know that I didn't kill him. I don't care about anybody else's opinion. What I want more than anything is to prove that.' Her story continues to stir discussions on justice, innocence, and the pursuit of truth.