LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A man sentenced to death over the 1993 slayings of three West Memphis boys is asking the Arkansas Supreme Court for a second trial.
An appeal filed Thursday on behalf of death-row inmate Damien Echols remains under seal before the state's highest court. A copy of the filing obtained by The Associated Press shows lawyers are asking justices to consider DNA evidence, as well as claims of juror misconduct in Echols' 1994 trial.
Supreme Court officials say they returned the brief Thursday afternoon to Echols' lawyers to address "deficiencies" with the filing.
In 2007, Echols filed a lengthy federal appeal. U.S. District Court Judge William R. Wilson Jr. ordered that state courts first hear the evidence.
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As many of you know~~this case has always bothered me~~especially after the DNA proved that the boys were NOT at the scene~~even after the DNA was completed~~They STILL were not heard~~Tonight the news said that the Supreme court WILL hear and WILL accept the DNA evidence~~I know this is still a long ways off~~BUT yet it is also a step closer to releasing innocent men~~Best of Luck to them all!!
