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Surprise court hearing for "West Memphis 3" spurs hopes
Reuters ^ | Thu Aug 18, 2011 | Suzi Parker

Posted on 08/18/2011 5:49:12 PM PDT by Tex-Con-Man

A judge has called a surprise hearing for Friday concerning three men - known as the West Memphis Three - convicted of "satanic" killings in 1993 of three 8-year-old Cub Scouts in Arkansas.

The announcement on Thursday fueled speculation among supporters that the hearing could mean good news - including a new trial and possible release from prison - for those who believe the men were wrongly convicted.

The Craighead County Circuit court in Jonesboro, Arkansas, will "take up certain matters pertaining to the cases" of convicted murderers Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley Jr., according to a statement issued by Craighead County Circuit Judge David N. Laser.

Last month, a status report on new DNA evidence was filed in Craighead County court. It failed to link the crimes to the men convicted in the murders, advocates said at the time.

Laser on Friday will hold one private session in chambers followed by a public session with victim families, family members of the defendants, and media.

...

Prison officials confirmed that the three men were turned over to Craighead County officials from the Arkansas Department of Corrections on Thursday.

"Craighead County officials picked them up around midday from ADC with all of their possessions," Shea Wilson, a prison spokesman, told Reuters.

This led to speculation on the internet among West Memphis Three advocates that a release for two, or all three, could be announced as part of a deal to include a new trial.

(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: westmemphis3; westmemphisthree
For anyone who has been watching this case, this is big news.
1 posted on 08/18/2011 5:49:17 PM PDT by Tex-Con-Man
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To: Tex-Con-Man

years ago i watched the first HBO special. I don’t know who did kill those beautiful young boys. And this story has really stuck with me through the years. And one of the things that bothered me was the lack of any evidence that those three teenagers had anything to do with it. seemed as though they just wanted to put someone, anyone in jail and those three were odd so why not?


2 posted on 08/18/2011 6:02:57 PM PDT by annelizly
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To: Tex-Con-Man

Word around town is they will plead guilty to lesser charges and then sentenced to time served.

Their DNA was not found at the murder scene, which is damning to prosecution’s case. The murders happened in 1993, back when DNA was just a hazy thing to 99% of the population, particularly poor trailer park children.


3 posted on 08/18/2011 6:18:06 PM PDT by .45 Long Colt
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To: .45 Long Colt

Well, there is also a story claiming only two of the three will be released. Looks like I will have to wait to figure out what’s really happening.


4 posted on 08/18/2011 6:27:22 PM PDT by .45 Long Colt
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To: Tex-Con-Man

Praise God. These kids were railroaded from day one. Even the victims’ parents are now sure these boys are innocent. I’m convinced it was one of the victims’ step father.


5 posted on 08/18/2011 7:23:05 PM PDT by Terry Mross (I'll only vote for a SECOND party.)
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To: Tex-Con-Man
The Memphis Commercial Appeal said that Echoles would be held, but the other two would be released immediately.
6 posted on 08/18/2011 7:43:58 PM PDT by Coldwater Creek (He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty Psalm 91:)
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To: Tex-Con-Man

Search on Mena Airport for the answer.


7 posted on 08/20/2011 3:51:58 PM PDT by One_who_hopes_to_know
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