Statement: Arkansas Attorney General

Prosecutors in the case against the West Memphis 3 declined "48 Hours'" request for an interview. The Arkansas Attorney General's Office offered this statement:

With regard to the West Memphis 3 special that 48 Hours is working on, the Arkansas Attorney General's Office has this to offer:

"While it appears the state court process for the three convicted men is nearing its final stage, it could be another 12 months before the Arkansas Supreme Court issues final rulings. After that, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley will be permitted to proceed with their federal court challenges to their respective convictions. Those challenges will likely take several years to complete. Accordingly, there is much work to be done before the legal process is complete.

As we move forward, the Attorney General's office will continue to meet its legal obligation to defend challenges to valid convictions handed down by judges and juries in this State. Ultimately, the courts will decide whether the evidence presented by these three men merits a change in their verdicts and sentences."

- Darnisa Johnson, Deputy Attorney General, Arkansas Attorney General's Office.