FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 3/1/2010) An outpouring of support for the West Memphis Three by some of Hollywood's A-list entertainers such as Natalie Maine of the Dixie Chicks.
Maine said, "Hi, I'm Natalie Maine. I support the West Memphis Three."
Actor Johnny Depp has closely followed the case. Depp said, "Every single piece of evidence point to their innocence not to their guilt."
The case surrounding Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin has generated star power as was seen in the CBS program 48 Hours.
West Memphis Police Chief Bob Paudert says he wasn't impressed. Paudert said, "It was a one sided program. They didn't come to us that I know of and they didn't come to me to and ask for an interview."
Appearing on News Channel 3 Live At 9, Paudert, who wasn't on the West Memphis Police force when the crime occurred, says there's no new evidence in this case.
Paudert said, "They didn't come out with any evidence that I saw would change my mind that those three aren't guilty of the crime."
But supporters of the West Memphis Three say the case should be reopened.
Paudert said, "If I see the evidence that these three are innocent I will be out front leading the charge to get them out of jail, but I haven't seen anything yet."
The West Memphis Chief says he's convinced they have the real killers.
Paudert said, "I heard that statement made by one of the three that concerned him that after 16 years the murder is still on the loose. Well, we haven't had any more child killings in West Memphis that's unsolved. The ones we have in custody are the ones who did it."
But the case puts the spotlight back on West Memphis and the West Memphis Police Department.
Paudert said, "We've had our share of problems over the years. The West Memphis Three is a negative stigma that's associated with West Memphis and when a lot of people hear about West Memphis this just resurfaces."
Even with increased media attention, Paudert says the West Memphis Three will remain where they are and behind bars.
Paudert said, "It doesn't do us any good and I don't think it'll do them any good. I think they'll remain in jail for the rest of their lives."
Paudert say if he's ordered to reopen the investigation he would and he'd be willing to let state police or the FBI take over the case, if critics aren't happy with his police force.
- Police Chief Takes On 48 Hours Special On West Memphis Three
- Bob Paudert Says Hollywood Celebrities Haven't Shown Any New Evidence
- Chief Says West Memphis Three Will Remain Behind Bars
(Memphis 3/1/2010) An outpouring of support for the West Memphis Three by some of Hollywood's A-list entertainers such as Natalie Maine of the Dixie Chicks.
Maine said, "Hi, I'm Natalie Maine. I support the West Memphis Three."
Actor Johnny Depp has closely followed the case. Depp said, "Every single piece of evidence point to their innocence not to their guilt."
The case surrounding Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin has generated star power as was seen in the CBS program 48 Hours.
West Memphis Police Chief Bob Paudert says he wasn't impressed. Paudert said, "It was a one sided program. They didn't come to us that I know of and they didn't come to me to and ask for an interview."
Appearing on News Channel 3 Live At 9, Paudert, who wasn't on the West Memphis Police force when the crime occurred, says there's no new evidence in this case.
Paudert said, "They didn't come out with any evidence that I saw would change my mind that those three aren't guilty of the crime."
But supporters of the West Memphis Three say the case should be reopened.
Paudert said, "If I see the evidence that these three are innocent I will be out front leading the charge to get them out of jail, but I haven't seen anything yet."
The West Memphis Chief says he's convinced they have the real killers.
Paudert said, "I heard that statement made by one of the three that concerned him that after 16 years the murder is still on the loose. Well, we haven't had any more child killings in West Memphis that's unsolved. The ones we have in custody are the ones who did it."
But the case puts the spotlight back on West Memphis and the West Memphis Police Department.
Paudert said, "We've had our share of problems over the years. The West Memphis Three is a negative stigma that's associated with West Memphis and when a lot of people hear about West Memphis this just resurfaces."
Even with increased media attention, Paudert says the West Memphis Three will remain where they are and behind bars.
Paudert said, "It doesn't do us any good and I don't think it'll do them any good. I think they'll remain in jail for the rest of their lives."
Paudert say if he's ordered to reopen the investigation he would and he'd be willing to let state police or the FBI take over the case, if critics aren't happy with his police force.
