The Tragic Case of Amy Mullis and the Ongoing Fight for Justice

Trysten Mullis walks through his family’s 400-acre farm in Iowa, reflecting on memories that blend nostalgia with pain. This farm was once home to him, his siblings Taylor and Wyatt, and their parents, Todd and Amy Mullis. They grew soybeans and corn and raised pigs here.

On a November morning in 2018, Amy Mullis died under circumstances that her family and authorities would later fiercely debate. That morning began like many others, with preparations for a shipment of pigs. Trysten, just 13 at the time, helped his parents with chores in the hog barn.

Inside the barn, Amy was cleaning glass light fixtures. Trysten recalls noticing her appearing dizzy, a result, he suspected, of a recent medical procedure. Concerned, they suggested she rest in the house. Before leaving, Amy was asked to retrieve a pet carrier from a nearby shed.

“The last time I saw her was through that window,” Trysten remembered, pointing to the spot in the barn where he last saw his mother alive.

An hour later, the pet carrier remained absent. Trysten discovered his mother on the ground with a corn rake in her back, prompting a frantic call to 911 as his father rushed them to the hospital. Despite their efforts, Amy did not survive.

Todd Mullis was later tried for her murder, with the prosecution arguing that Amy was bludgeoned twice with the rake. The medical examiner highlighted six puncture wounds, although the rake had only four tines. Prosecutors alleged Todd had discovered Amy’s affair and killed her in a fit of rage.

Todd and Trysten maintained that Amy’s death was a tragic accident. During the trial, Trysten testified he remained near his father for most of that morning. He later clarified that when he briefly left his father’s side, it was only to get a drink of water, taking mere seconds. He found this inconsistency hard to reconcile with the accusation that his father had committed murder.

Years later, forensic experts reevaluated the case. They contended that Amy’s injuries were consistent with an accidental fall onto the rake, contrary to the medical examiner’s homicide ruling. Their analysis suggested Amy accidentally exacerbated her injuries trying to free herself.

Despite these findings, Todd’s conviction has not been overturned. His family, convinced of his innocence, continues to challenge the ruling. Trysten, now 21, speaks publicly and remains firm in his belief that his father’s conviction is unjust.

As Todd’s legal team presses for a new trial, the Mullis family seeks closure and justice. Trysten, having lost both parents in different ways, holds on to faith and determination.

“I love you and I’m fighting every day for you,” Trysten says, unwavering in his mission to prove his father’s innocence.