The Family Farm
Trysten Mullis and his siblings, Taylor and Wyatt, grew up on a 400-acre farm in Iowa with their parents, Todd and Amy Mullis. This farm, bustling with soybeans, corn, and pigs, was operated by the whole family. Trysten recalls the nostalgia and peace he feels when visiting the farm.
The Day Amy Mullis Died
The tragic day in November 2018 began like any other. While Trysten worked with his parents preparing for the arrival of baby pigs, his siblings stayed inside. At the hog barn, Trysten carried heaters while his father, Todd, handled water supply pipes. Amy cleaned the lights. Trysten demonstrated her cleaning method using a bucket for support as she unscrewed, cleaned, and replaced the fixtures.
Trysten noticed Amy appeared dizzy and unsteady. She was recovering from a recent medical procedure. Concerned, Trysten and Todd suggested Amy rest in the house. On the way, they asked her to retrieve a pet carrier from the red shed.
Trysten saw Amy exit the barn one last time. After working for over an hour, they noticed the pet carrier was not outside. Trysten went to the red shed to retrieve it, finding his mother on the ground with a corn rake in her back. Hoping she was alive, he called for Todd, who rushed Amy to the hospital.
911 Call Excerpt: “Is she breathing?… I just grabbed her and threw her in the truck. My son’s holding her.”
Loss and Legal Battle
Todd Mullis, initially believing Amy’s death was accidental, faced murder charges less than a year later. The state medical examiner, Dr. Kelly Kruse, determined the death was a homicide. She noted six puncture wounds despite the four-tine rake. Two directions of puncture wounds suggested multiple impalements.
Prosecutors argued Amy’s affair and plans to leave Todd were motives for murder. Friends and family testified about Amy’s fear of Todd. Digital evidence pointed to possible searches indicating premeditation.
Trysten’s Testimony
Trysten’s testimony was crucial. Initially, he provided an alibi for Todd but later admitted leaving his father’s side twice. He now claims pressure from Amy’s family influenced his statements.
Trysten attempts to clarify his account, stating the time it took to drink water was seconds. He insists Todd couldn’t have left unnoticed and returned without showing signs of distress.
New Legal Efforts
In pursuit of a new trial, Todd’s new legal team, led by the Nesheiwats, presented new expert opinions suggesting Amy’s death was accidental. They introduced forensic and biomechanical analyses indicating Amy fell onto the rake multiple times due to navigating the shed’s narrow pathways.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Jennifer Hammers and biomechanical engineer Dr. Valentina Ngai supported the accident theory. They demonstrated how Amy’s fall likely caused repeated impalements. Their evidence included recreations and animations of the scene.
The defense team also examined the contentious Google searches attributed to Todd, arguing they were historically themed and conducted prior to Amy’s affair.
Outcome and Ongoing Battle
The judge denied a new trial, maintaining Todd had competent counsel and a fair trial. Science and physical evidence convincing the defense team were not enough to overturn the original verdict. The Mullis family remains determined to prove Todd’s innocence.
Todd’s supporters, bolstered by new findings, prepare an appeal, maintaining steadfast belief in his innocence. Meanwhile, Amy’s family wishes to keep focus on her memory and what they see as justice served.
Conclusion
Trysten, ardently supporting his father’s innocence, continues to fight for Todd’s release. Although legal setbacks are frustrating, the family refuses to concede, motivated by faith and the pursuit of justice for both Amy and Todd.
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