A group working to overturn the convictions of the West Memphis 3 is ripping Attorney General Dustin McDaniel for his blind defense of the shoddy prosecution and convictions (on, it should be noted, McDaniel’s home political turf in Northeast Arkansas.)

Where McDaniel sees no ground to overturn the Circuit Court verdicts, the group sees many. For one: The only DNA evidence tied to the crime belongs to someone other than the convicts. For another: the problem-plagued “confession” of one of the defendants, whose IQ is around 70. For another:

Advertisement

Is it reasonable to expect impartiality from a man whose father’s law firm was intimately involved in this case? Phillip Wells of McDaniel & Wells was appointed ‘court liaison’ by Judge Burnett. Within days of the appointment, the law firm unethically issued press statements claiming that there was a new witness who would bolster the prosecution’s case. Of course, the witness never appeared. Shockingly, McDaniel Wells was also involved in the prosecution’s failed attempt to convince Jessie Misskelley to testify against Damien and Jason. Jessie refused to do so because he knew they were innocent.  A matter of little concern to the McDaniels.

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Day of service Next article Crystal Bridges commissions Dombek