WM3 lawyers urge judge to step aside; he declines - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

WM3 lawyers urge judge to step aside; he declines

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JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) - Lawyers for two of the three men convicted of killing three West Memphis 8-year-olds in 1993 asked Circuit Judge David Burnett to step aside from the case Monday, citing his announced plans to seek a state Senate seat.

"I don't have any biases, and your motion is denied," Burnett responded.

Burnett is presiding over a hearing on claims by Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley that they weren't adequately represented by their trial attorneys.

The two were convicted with Damien Echols of the May 1993 killings of Stevie Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore.

Misskelley was sentenced to life plus 40 years in prison while Baldwin was sentenced to life without parole. Echols was sentenced to be executed.

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