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Seraph
 Posted:
Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:04 pm |
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Hearing date set
This appeared at CourtTVnews today.
/crime
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New hearings to begin for 'West Memphis Three'Story Highlights
Attorneys claim trial errors, say DNA exonerate the 'West Memphis Three'
Damien Echols is on death row for the '93 slayings of three second-graders
Co-defendants Jason Baldwin, Jessie Misskelley are serving life sentences
Three weeks of hearings set to begin in September
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (AP) -- It took a jury 13 days to convict and sentence Damien Echols to death for the 1993 slayings of three second-graders.
Damien Echols is on death row; his attorneys say they have evidence they hope will clear him.
1 of 3 Now, nearly 15 years later, Echols is hoping to convince the judge who oversaw his original case to grant him a new trial. His attorneys say DNA tests clear him and the two others in prison for the crime.
Attorneys for Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley, known to supporters as the "West Memphis Three," were to appear Wednesday before Craighead County Circuit Judge David Burnett, along with the case's original prosecutor.
Together, the lawyers and judge will lay out a schedule for a three-week slate of hearings in September on DNA evidence and claims of juror misconduct in their 1994 trials over the murders of 8-year-olds Steven Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore.
Burnett has barred both prosecutors and defense lawyers from speaking with reporters about the case, saying he was tired of reading about it in the newspapers.
It dominated newspapers and television sets throughout Arkansas and the nation after police found the three boys' water-soaked bodies in a drainage ditch a day after their May 5, 1993, disappearance from West Memphis.
The boys' hands were bound to their legs by shoelaces and their bodies showed signs of suffering severe beatings. One boy's body had been mutilated.
A month passed and the community posted a $30,000 reward before police arrested the three teens. Misskelley told investigators how he watched Baldwin and Echols sexually assault and beat two of the boys as he ran down another trying to escape.
Don't Miss
New evidence may clear 'West Memphis Three'
Crime Library: Saga of the 'West Memphis Three'
A separate jury gave Misskelley, who refused to testify against the other two, a life-plus-40-year sentence for the killings. Baldwin received a life sentence without parole after standing trial with Echols, who preened at times during the trial and quoted Shakespeare to reporters. Echols was sentenced to die.
The Arkansas Supreme Court unanimously affirmed Baldwin and Echols' convictions in 1996, citing what it called substantial evidence of guilt.
Later documentaries on the killings and trials stoked supporters' doubts about the men's convictions, saying they were picked out because they liked heavy metal music and had an interest in the occult.
Defense lawyers claimed detectives coerced two taped statements out of Misskelley, whom they described as having the mental grasp of a child. State Supreme Court justices refused to throw out the statements in Misskelley's appeal, noting that he was advised of his rights three times during a four-hour interview with officers.
The new hearing comes after a wide-ranging federal appeal of Echols' death sentence. Echols' attorneys point to DNA evidence tests that showed no trace of the three convicted in the killings. However, much of the DNA testing done by a private laboratory in Virginia yielded no reportable results.
Testimony from forensic experts in the appeal also claim the mutilation of one of the boys likely came from an animal after their deaths -- rather than prosecutors' claims about satanic rituals.
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Joined: 13 Jun 2006
Posts: 1004
Location: United Kingdom
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:54 pm |
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Thanks a million!!!!!
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| Seraph
Posted:
Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:20 pm |
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| Obscuregawdess wrote: | | Thanks a million!!!!! |
Your welcome, Obscuregawdess, I thought you were missing in action?
 Good to see you back on this thread. It's difficult to access updates on this case from here, so keep us up to date. Thanks
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Joined: 13 Jun 2006
Posts: 1004
Location: United Kingdom
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| pax
Posted:
Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:38 pm |
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Thank you Seraph.
Hi OG.
Good to 'see' both of you.
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Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 16326
Location: Wish You Were Here
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| pax
Posted:
Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:41 pm |
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Three weeks of hearings beginning September.
May truth be revealed and justice served.
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Joined: 23 Mar 2006
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Location: Wish You Were Here
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| Hannie
Posted:
Thu Aug 21, 2008 4:03 am |
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That's good news, thanks Seraph! I only don't trust that Burnett...
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li'l Shango's Mommy
Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 23202
Location: The Hague, The Netherlands
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| Fishy
Posted:
Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:44 am |
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Thanks Seraph 
Hello OG 
Good news! It doesn't say when in September. Does anyone know?
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Joined: 13 Nov 2007
Posts: 1695
Location: Texas
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| CherokeeKid
Posted:
Fri Aug 22, 2008 2:23 pm |
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Thanks a bunch, Seraph!
Howdy OG! Where have you been? Good to 'see' you! 
I second that, Pax.
Hi Fishy! I wondered the same. No exact date given. I'll be checking in what's going on in September.
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Joined: 11 May 2006
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:01 am |
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It is set for the 8th but is subject to change.
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:55 am |
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Might be postponed...
http://wm3.vox.com/library/post/september-hearing-possibly-postponed.html
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| SavannahStar
Posted:
Fri Aug 29, 2008 6:18 am |
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Holy moly OG. We've missed you.
Hi! Hope all is well with you.
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**SuperStar**
Joined: 24 Mar 2006
Posts: 21291
Location: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:21 am |
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Thanks, SS! Been so busy I am still spinning... Whew!
Hope all is well with you, too. 
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Mon Sep 01, 2008 6:30 pm |
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Friday, August 29, 2008
WM3 supporters planning to attend the upcoming September hearings
WM3 supporters planning to attend the upcoming September hearings in
Jonesboro, Arkansas should be aware that the proceedings may not begin
on September 8th as we were originally lead to believe. After meeting
with the legal teams on August 20th, Judge Burnett said that on
September 5th he will rule on what he will hear and confirm definitive
dates for the hearings to begin. There is a strong possibility the
hearings WON'T begin on September 8th so before you start driving or
get on a plane next week, make sure to check wm3.org for up-to-date
info about the Jonesboro hearings. Don't cancel any travel plans yet,
just be aware that the dates may change and we will let everyone know
the definite date(s) as soon as we possibly can!
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=41045221&blogID=428365954&MyToken=75271153-5d3b-42b9-9f02-9bcb641b4b56
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:40 pm |
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Court: West Memphis Slaying Hearings On Hold
Thursday, September 04, 2008
An assistant to Craighead County Circuit Judge David Burnett says a set of hearings scheduled to begin Monday for three men convicted in the 1993 slayings of three boys in West Memphis will be postponed.
Michelle Grilletta says Burnett is drafting an order rescheduling the hearings for Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley. She says the judge told her nothing would be heard next week regarding the case.
Court officials said Burnett's order had yet to be filed Thursday afternoon.
Both Baldwin and Misskelley claim their lawyers failed to adequately represent them during their separate trials. Their lawyers also say DNA evidence provided by Echols' defense team shows the men -- known to supporters as the "West Memphis Three" -- did not kill Steven Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore.
The Arkansas Supreme Court has upheld their convictions.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=71975&catid=2
Court: West Memphis slaying hearings on hold
An assistant to Craighead County Circuit Judge David Burnett says a set of hearings scheduled to begin Monday for three men convicted in the 1993 slayings of three boys in West Memphis will be postponed.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette stories:... - http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/news/arkansas/
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| pax
Posted:
Thu Sep 04, 2008 6:45 pm |
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Thanks og.
I don't think any of these individual claims is strong enough for reversal. I hope I'm wrong.
I am convinced none of the three received fair trials and all three convictions will be reversed on a federal due process claim.
JMO. What are you thoughts?
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Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 16326
Location: Wish You Were Here
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:10 pm |
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| pax wrote: | Thanks og.
I don't think any of these individual claims is strong enough for reversal. I hope I'm wrong.
I am convinced none of the three received fair trials and all three convictions will be reversed on a federal due process claim.
JMO. What are you thoughts? |
You're welcome!
I also believe the three received completely unfair trials, and I do believe justice will only occur in federal courts. I think Arkansas has shown its incompetency and/or bias.
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| wvgirl
Posted:
Fri Sep 05, 2008 1:36 am |
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Thanks OG for the update. I've missed your smiling face.
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Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 3857
Location: Almost Heaven
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:01 am |
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| wvgirl wrote: | | Thanks OG for the update. I've missed your smiling face. |
You're welcome, WV! I have been super busy. I am working less hour and have returned to school for a specialized degree, doing online college, just finished a semester... and kids keeping me super busy! How have you been?
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| Need2Know
Posted:
Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:01 pm |
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| Obscuregawdess wrote: |
You're welcome, WV! I have been super busy. I am working less hour and have returned to school for a specialized degree, doing online college, just finished a semester... and kids keeping me super busy! How have you been? |
HEY!!!!!!!!!! Good to "see" you. Some people have been asking about you around here. I pray all is well with you and your family.
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N2K
Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 9277
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| wvgirl
Posted:
Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:26 pm |
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| Obscuregawdess wrote: |
You're welcome, WV! I have been super busy. I am working less hour and have returned to school for a specialized degree, doing online college, just finished a semester... and kids keeping me super busy! How have you been? |
Congrats on les work hrs and back to school! I soooooooo wished I'd done that when I was a single mom of 3, (state funding and all  ) But anyway, maybe someday. Summer is fading fast, and it has been one full of heartache/worry for me, but also many smiles and thankfulness. I do feel I've just finished a chapter in my book of life and it's bittersweet. But looking forward to the next one  So, same ole same ole on my end  I do appreciate you keeping us up to date. Still hoping for justice for the wm3
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Joined: 23 Mar 2006
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Location: Almost Heaven
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| wvgirl
Posted:
Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:28 pm |
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Good grief I just read my last post and how melodramatic was that? I need to get off my arse and get out there and do something!
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Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 3857
Location: Almost Heaven
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Sat Sep 06, 2008 3:38 pm |
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| Need2Know wrote: |
HEY!!!!!!!!!! Good to "see" you. Some people have been asking about you around here. I pray all is well with you and your family. |
Thanks! All is great! How are you?
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Sat Sep 06, 2008 3:39 pm |
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| wvgirl wrote: | | Good grief I just read my last post and how melodramatic was that? I need to get off my arse and get out there and do something! |
ROFL! Nah, and thank you! It's awesome to hear you're doing good, as well.
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Sat Sep 06, 2008 3:40 pm |
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There is a rumor going around that the hearings were not postponed but CANCELLED. Now, if that is the case, then a big fat "NO" from Burnett means it will go to the federallevel much quicker! However, it does show Burnett's moronic arrogance. I'll let you all know when I know for sure... unless someone finds out before me. In case of that, TIA!
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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| Obscuregawdess
Posted:
Sun Sep 07, 2008 1:15 pm |
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Hearings to be shelved over ’93 slayings of 3
Friday, September 05, 2008
A set of hearings for the three men convicted in the 1993 slayings of three West Memphis boys will likely be postponed until late this month, said Michelle Grilletta, trial court assistant to Craighead County Circuit Judge David Burnett.
At the hearings, originally scheduled for Monday, defense attorneys planned to present new DNA evidence to the court in their efforts to obtain new trials for Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin.
The judge is drafting an order to reschedule the hearings, possibly for Sept. 24 through Oct. 10, Grilletta said Thursday.
The judge still has the option of making a ruling without holding any hearings, however.
The most recent rounds of filings from all parties were due Aug. 30. That left Burnett little time to ponder what had been presented for his perusal, Grilletta said, adding, "He's just been covered up this past week.
" All I know is that at this point, he told me he was working on [the order ] and that there would be no hearings next week," Grilletta said.
As of Thursday afternoon, the circuit clerk's office hadn't received any orders from Burnett.
Grilletta said Burnett plans to file the orders by fax today.
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/236404/
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"Bratty Mama Leci"
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 12374
Location: Kentucky
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