By Rob Moritz
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK — More than a dozen protesters, unhappy with the way John Fogleman prosecuted three men for the 1993 murders of three West Memphis 8-year-olds walked out of a news conference Tuesday in which the Crittenden County circuit judge announced his candidacy for the state Supreme Court.
Fogleman made his announcement in the Old Supreme Court chambers at the state Capitol.
Fogleman announced to a crowd of about 50 that he plans to run in the May 2010 election to fill the seat of Justice Tom Glaze, who retired last year. Arkansas Appeals Court Judge Courtney Henry is also running for the seat.
The protesters, who took off their shirts to reveal T-shirts that read “Abuse of Power” or “West Memphis Three,” silently walked out of the room while Fogleman was discussing his candidacy and reasons for seeking the office.
“They have the right to their own opinions and they express them,” Fogleman said later.
Fogleman was a deputy prosecutor in the case in which the West Memphis Three, as they are known — Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley — were convicted in the killings of Steven Branch, Christopher Bryers and Michael Moore. The three were teenagers when the murders occurred.
Brent Peterson of Little Rock, spokesman for Arkansans Take Action, said the group believes Baldwin, Echols and Misskelley were unfairly prosecuted and blames Fogleman.
“We are trying to raise awareness for the West Memphis Three,” Peterson said.
He also noted Echols has an appeal pending before the state Supreme Court. Fogleman said he would recuse from any cases involving Echols, Misskelly or Baldwin if elected to the high court.
Fogleman said the election next year “is not about the state of Arkansas vs. Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley.”
“This race is about one person who is best qualified and experienced to serve the people of Arkansas,” he said.
Former Chief Justice W.H. “Dub” Arnold introduced Fogleman during the news conference and former state Court of Appeals judges Olly Neal, Sam Bird and Andree Layton Roaf attend the announcement, as did former Justice David Newbern.
