Conviction Resulting from False Confession Overturned

Today the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned the conviction of
Tyler Edmonds who was 13 years old when charged with 1st degree
murder of his half sisters husband, Joey Fulgham.

Tyler was convicted in July of 2004, with no forensic evidence other
than a false confession he made after his half sister begged him to
lie for her. Tyler recanted the confession a couple of days later.
Tyler's half sister, Kristi Fulgham was convicted in December 2006
for Joey Fulgham's murder and sentenced to death.

The Mississippi Supreme court agreed that Dr. Stephen Hayne who
performed the autopsy on Joey Fulgham, over-reached beyond his area
of expertise when he stated that two fingers pulled the trigger of
the 22-caliber rifle used to kill Joey Fulgham. The Supreme Court
found that Dr. Haynes testimony was scientifically unfounded but
carried heavy weight with jurors. The rifle was never recovered.

Justice for Juveniles advocates nationwide applaud the wise decision
of the Mississippi Supreme Court. Cari Barichello, Co-Administrator
of the nationwide online children's advocate group
justiceforjuveniles

.org said " To say we are extremely pleased over
today's ruling is an understatement to say the least. Tyler has
remained one of our largest priorities since his nightmare began at
age 13, because we believe that Tyler is also a victim of Kristi
Fulgham just as Joey was." Barichello says that Tyler has stayed
positive because of his Christian faith and love from his many
friends, family and supporters throughout his incarceration. "While
incarcerated, Tyler has done an excellent job of staying focused on
his education so he will be prepared to become a contributing,
responsible adult once he is given the opportunity and regains his
freedom."

Donna Gallegos of justiceforjuveniles.org said " While this is a
joyous day for Tyler and those who love and support him, his defense
team and his advocates have their work cut out for them." Gallegos
hopes that experts will offer up their expertise in Tyler's second
trial to assist him in obtaining justice. Experts such as a jury
consultant and other professionals such as experts on false
confessions can make a huge difference for this child", Gallegos
said.

Oktibbeha County, Mississippi officials will decide in the next
several days if the 2nd trial will be held in the same county or
moved to a different one. "It is questionable as to the ability of
obtaining a fair trial for Tyler in Starkville, Ms. because of media
publicity and because of Tyler's defense and the prosecutors public
debate concerning Tyler", Gallegos said.

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Media Contact:
Email Contact: justiceforjuveniles@yahoo.com

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Comments

[Nicholas Stix]

So, is the prosecution saying that the two half-siblings together murdered the victim?