http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 … his-three/

Prosecutors and defense attorneys are working out a deal that could result in the release of the West Memphis Three murder defendants as early as Friday, according to legal sources and relatives of victims.

"It's a high probability," said Jackie Byers, 44, wife of John Mark Byers, whose son was one of three 8-year-old boys found nude and hog-tied in 1993 in a watery ditch in West Memphis. "We've been asked not to say anything until after tomorrow."

A source close to the case said the pending deal involves the immediate release of defendants Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley in return for pleas to lesser charges. All three were convicted of capital murder in 1994. Echols was sentenced to death, while Baldwin and Misskelley are serving life terms

"This deal is going to make everybody happy," said a source who asked not to be identified because of a gag order barring parties to the case from discussing it.

Byers said she, too, was told of the pleas. She said she's glad the three defendants will be released but is upset that they must plea to something she believes they didn't do.

"This means they will never be proven innocent," said Byers, who, like many other followers of the case have been persuaded of the three's innocence by new evidence, including DNA evidence, uncovered in recent years. "All of that (new evidence) might go down the toilet and be lost forever."

Recent DNA testing pointed a finger at a fourth, uncharged individual.

The judge in the West Memphis Three triple murder case has scheduled a hearing for Friday in Jonesboro, Ark., in which all three defendants will be present.

In scheduling a hearing for 10 a.m., Circuit Court Judge David Laser released this statement earlier this morning:

“The court will take up certain matters pertaining to the cases of defendants Baldwin, Echols and Misskelley on Friday, August 19, 2011. One session will be conducted out of public presence with all defendants present, and another session will be conducted in open court. The session conducted in chambers will likely begin at 10 a.m., followed by a public session, which will begin about 11 a.m. Space will be limited for the public session, first to the parties, counsel, and court personnel, then to family members of the victims and family members of defendants, with remaining seating to be occupied by media representatives and the public. There will be approximately fifteen (15) minutes between the chamber session and open session for media and public to be seated.”

More details as they develop online and in Friday's editions of The Commercial Appeal.