COMMERCIAL APPEAL
Arkansas teens' lawyers want to see evidence
By Bartholomew Sullivan
Tuesday, June 15, 1993
Attorneys for the teenagers accused of killing three West Memphis boys will argue today that they need to see the evidence that persuaded police to charge their clients with murder.
Attorney Val P. Price said he did not expect the three defendants to be present for today's proceedings, and attorney George Robin Wadley Jr. suggested they may take place outside the courtroom in a judge's chambers.
The hearing in Crittenden County Circuit Court in Marion will not involve whether pretrial publicity in the case will require a change of venue. Second Judicial District Prosecutor Brent Davis has said the case should be tried in Crittenden County.
Wadley, who represents Charles Jason Baldwin, 16, filed a formal three-page motion asking for the evidence. He said he has seen nothing beyond a co- defendant's alleged confession linking Baldwin to the crime.
Wadley said the statement that defendant Jessie Lloyd Misskelley Jr., 17, gave West Memphis detectives would be insufficient evidence to convict his client.
Baldwin's other court-appointed lawyer, Paul N. Ford, has said he can prove Baldwin was at school at the time Misskelley told police the murders occurred.
Price, who represents 18-year-old Michael Wayne 'Damien' Echols, said discovery evidence is essential in preparing a defense.
All three defendants are charged with the May 5 murders of 8-year-olds Christopher Byers, Steve Branch and Michael Moore.
