The Commercial Appeal
Effort on new Ark. killings trial faulted
Date: April 14, 1994 Section: Metro Page: B7 Source: Bartholomew Sullivan The Commercial Appeal Edition: Final
Prosecutors blasted defense lawyers' efforts to gain new trials for two men convicted last month in the West Memphis triple-murder case, saying charges of alleged misconduct by prosecutors are unfounded. Second Judicial District Atty. Brent Davis and Deputy Prosecutor John N. Fogleman filed a response to the Charles Jason Baldwin's request for a new trial on Tuesday.
Lawyers for both Baldwin and Damien Wayen Echols filed almost identical motions March 29 asking for new trials. Baldwin's lawyers followed up their motion with a request for Circuit Judge David Burnett to recuse himself and not consider the new trial motion.
Baldwin's lawyer, Paul N. Ford, in an affidavit filed March 29, said prosecutors engaged in misconduct when they sought a one-day continuance toward the end of Baldwin's and Echols's trial in Jonesboro.
Both Davis and Fogleman filed affidavits Tuesday stating that no misconduct or improper contact was made with the trial court. The state also denied it was aware of ``any information about threats being made to jurors,'' cited as another defense basis for a new trial.
Burnett has not yet ruled on the motions or the request that he recuse himself.
Effort on new Ark. killings trial faulted
Date: April 14, 1994 Section: Metro Page: B7 Source: Bartholomew Sullivan The Commercial Appeal Edition: Final
Prosecutors blasted defense lawyers' efforts to gain new trials for two men convicted last month in the West Memphis triple-murder case, saying charges of alleged misconduct by prosecutors are unfounded. Second Judicial District Atty. Brent Davis and Deputy Prosecutor John N. Fogleman filed a response to the Charles Jason Baldwin's request for a new trial on Tuesday.
Lawyers for both Baldwin and Damien Wayen Echols filed almost identical motions March 29 asking for new trials. Baldwin's lawyers followed up their motion with a request for Circuit Judge David Burnett to recuse himself and not consider the new trial motion.
Baldwin's lawyer, Paul N. Ford, in an affidavit filed March 29, said prosecutors engaged in misconduct when they sought a one-day continuance toward the end of Baldwin's and Echols's trial in Jonesboro.
Both Davis and Fogleman filed affidavits Tuesday stating that no misconduct or improper contact was made with the trial court. The state also denied it was aware of ``any information about threats being made to jurors,'' cited as another defense basis for a new trial.
Burnett has not yet ruled on the motions or the request that he recuse himself.
