Current:Home > reviewsArkansas Supreme Court says new DNA testing can be sought in ‘West Memphis 3' case -×
Arkansas Supreme Court says new DNA testing can be sought in ‘West Memphis 3' case
View
Date:2025-04-18 11:24:33
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday said a judge wrongly denied a request for new genetic testing of crime scene evidence from the killing of three boys nearly 30 years ago.
In a 4-3 decision, the court reversed the 2022 ruling denying the request to test evidence from the 1993 crime scene where three 8-year-old boys were found brutally slain in a drainage ditch near West Memphis. The additional testing was sought by Damien Echols, one of the three men convicted in the slayings.
Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jesse Misskelley were convicted in 1994 but released in 2011 under a rarely used plea agreement that allowed them to maintain their innocence yet plead guilty in exchange for 18-year sentences and credit for time served.
“We appreciate the (Arkansas Supreme Court) giving this ruling and hope we can now once and for all solve this case, clear our names and find the person responsible for carrying out these horrendous crimes,” Echols said in a statement. “This is monumental.”
On Thursday, the court reversed the circuit judge’s ruling that the state law allowing for additional testing didn’t apply because Echols wasn’t in custody when he made the request. Justices also rejected the state’s argument during the appeal that the type of plea agreement precluded Echols from seeking additional testing.
“It is undisputed that Echols has been convicted of a crime, and as a result, he is entitled to seek relief pursuant to Act 1780,” Justice Karen Baker wrote in the court’s ruling.
Stephen Braga, lead counsel for Echols, said he planned to seek a possible agreement with the local prosecutor on DNA testing and will file a motion before the lower court.
“We’re very happy with the court’s ruling this morning upholding the plain language of the statute,” Braga said. “We’re even happier that this means Damien will have another chance to work with the circuit court and or the prosecutor to get new DNA testing done on the evidence at issue.”
In a dissenting opinion, Justice Barbara Webb said the court’s decision “obliterates any sense of finality in our criminal justice system.”
“Their interpretation of Act 1780 means anyone who has ever been convicted of a crime — whether or not they be in State custody — can seek DNA or other scientific testing even if such testing would not prove that individual’s innocence,” she wrote.
Attorney General Tim Griffin, whose office argued the case, raised similar concerns and said Thursday’s ruling “undermines finality in long-closed criminal cases and will result in unserious filings.”
“I hope the legislature will address the issue expeditiously,” Griffin said in a statement.
veryGood! (961)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- 4 teenagers killed in single-vehicle accident in Montana
- Storm drenches Florida before heading up East Coast
- December 2023 in photos: USA TODAY's most memorable images
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Applesauce pouches recalled for lead could have been contaminated intentionally: Reports
- Russian opposition leader Navalny fails to appear in court as allies search for him in prison system
- Ravens beat mistake-prone Jaguars 23-7 for 4th consecutive victory and clinch AFC playoff spot
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Quaker Oats recalls some of its granola bars, cereals for possible salmonella risk
Ranking
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Demi Lovato, musician Jutes get engaged: 'I'm beyond excited to marry you'
- Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence placed in concussion protocol after loss to Ravens
- Uncomfortable Conversations: How to handle grandparents who spoil kids with holiday gifts.
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Maryland Stadium Authority approves a lease extension for the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards
- Colombia’s leftist ELN rebels agree to stop kidnapping for ransom, at least temporarily
- 36 jours en mer : récit des naufragés qui ont survécu aux hallucinations, à la soif et au désespoir
Recommendation
Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
Shopping for the Holidays Is Expensive—Who Said That? Porsha Williams Shares Her Affordable Style Guide
2024 MotorTrend Truck of the Year: The Chevrolet Colorado takes top honors
Inside the Maria Muñoz murder case: A look at the evidence
Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
Nobody went to see the Panthers-Falcons game despite ridiculously cheap tickets
Berlin Zoo sends the first giant pandas born in Germany to China
A 4-year-old went fishing on Lake Michigan and found an 152-year-old shipwreck