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Pardon not likely for West MemphisThree

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Updated: 8/23/2011 4:02 pm

Published: 8/23/2011 12:46 pm

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The man with the power to grant pardons in Arkansas says he doesn't plan to issue them in the "West Memphis Three" case unless evidence shows someone else was to blame for the murders of three Cub Scouts.

Gov. Mike Beebe also told reporters Tuesday that he doesn't consider pardons until all sentences are completed. Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley have 10 years of what amounts to unsupervised probation following their release from custody on Friday. Beebe's term will expire long before then.

The three men were convicted in the 1993 murders of three 8-year-old boys. Echols was sentenced to death. Baldwin and Misskelley were sentenced to life in prison.

They were freed Friday following an unexpected plea deal that allowed them to maintain their claims of innocence.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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1gmama - 8/24/2011 7:45 AM

0 Votes

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Only in Arkansas!!!!!!

RGilbert - 8/23/2011 8:47 PM

0 Votes

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r0ck3tgirl Mike Huckabee The Huckster, Huckleberry Hound ain't the Governor anymore. (Mike Beebe) is the First Tobacco Tax Buzzard Of Arkansas now (Governor).

r0ck3tgirl - 8/23/2011 6:35 PM

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Maybe you all should research the case. Read in full detail the evidence provided. Then maybe you all would have a different opinion on the release of the West Memphis Three. Governor Huckabee is a smart man and knows there is more to this story. The situation is another circumstantial one, just like the Casey Anthony case. It is obvious what happened and who was involved. Do you all think she's innocent and should walk as well? I guess what we have learned from all of these recent events is that, we can commit murder and get away with it as long as we don't leave any DNA evidence behind. Wow. Liberals.

Provoked - 8/23/2011 5:50 PM

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I feel like this whole thing has cast a nasty shadow on the state of Arkansas and the good old boy system that would rather continue to turn a blind eye to the truth then to accept that the PD acted carelessly and neglegently in their handling of this case from the beginning. Hopefully soon the true killers will be found and the powers that be will be forced to give them a pardon.

sjn12 - 8/23/2011 4:43 PM

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The DNA may not have been at that crime scene but the reports suggest there was another crime scene and the boys own confessions and previous witnesses state some involvement-so 2 parties-? I'd be checking those parents a little more throughly- who beats a 8 year old for trying to get in his own home with a belt? Did he break a window- catch someone at something a scape goat- come on 2nd graders? Hog tied- can't do it themselves-

mypeaceofmind - 8/23/2011 1:33 PM

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I truly hope that Gov. Bebee doesn't aspire to any other political office. If he can't do what's right, then I don't want him to represent me in any office.

sookie1953 - 8/23/2011 1:28 PM

4 Votes

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i feel like the law needs to look into whose dna was found on the boys shoelaces. has that been dropped by the wayside too? those guys would never have been released had there not been some other proof. the state is trying to sdave it self 3 law suits which they deserve. these guys lives have been ruined and not to say the abuse they been through. If they are not guilty then wheres their justice?

myopinion0000 - 8/23/2011 1:23 PM

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They have known all these years who to blame. They have no intention of looking for the real killer or they would have years ago and they would have released the West Memphis Three years ago. Beebe needs to open his eyes! Everyone knows they are innocent and if he don't give them pardon than he will be judged for that one day and I hope he can live with himself knowing he was wrong!!! I am so happy for all of the WM3! As far as justice for the 3 cub scouts, well, the WM police did them a huge injustice by not following leads and looking for the real murderer when it happened.

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