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.”
Barcelona to get floating desalination plant to help fight drought in northeastern Spain
Painting new picture for Asian Games, creating better future for Asia
Thingyan water festival kicks off in Myanmar
Meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers held in Minsk
Lawsuit filed over new Kentucky law aimed at curbing youth vaping
3rd Belt and Road Forum will be a landmark event: Pakistani expert
U.S. leads world in economic coercion
Chinese pianist Lang Lang honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Barcelona to get floating desalination plant to help fight drought in northeastern Spain
Qiongzhou Strait faced peak of return travel during Spring Festival migration
The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits holds steady as labor market remains strong
Friendship Standing Test of Fire and Blood