The West Memphis Three have been released. Their support group, via Twitter, "Everyone's screaming in joy! It's done. 18 years too long… The convictions have been tossed out."
Early word from those in the courthouse indicate that all three took an Alford plea, under which the accused do not admit the crime for which they are accused, and can maintain innocence, but acknowledge that the prosecution may have sufficient evidence to convict.
Had the case not taken this turn, Damien Echols, 36, was due to be executed by the state. Jessie Misskelley, 36, and Jason Baldwin, 34, were serving life terms.
