West Memphis Three Freed

Then

In an agreement with prosecutors, the three men -- Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin -- pleaded guilty to the murders of three 8-year-old boys in May 1993, but are able to claim they are innocent, an arrangement known as an "Alford plea."

The three men were released Friday after serving sentences of 18 years plus credit for time served.

"Today's proceeding allows the defendants the freedom of speech to SAY they are innocent, but the FACT is, they just plead GUILTY," Scott Ellington, district prosecuting attorney for Craighead County, Ark., said in a prepared statement.

The case of the West Memphis 3 -- teenagers when arrested -- became a cause celebre in music and Hollywood circles as questions emerged about their trial, in which prosecutors argued that the suspects, who favored black clothing and heavy metal music, murdered the boys as part of a satanic ritual.

Full Story Here

Now

Also Read: Natalie Maines and Eddie Vedder arrive to support West Memphis Three

Steven Branch's father reacts to release with threats.