Jason Baldwin
After the Arkansas Supreme Court denied his direct appeal in 1996, Jason filed a Petition for Relief under Rule 37 the following year. (Rule 37 deals with ineffective assistance of the original trial counsel.) Because the original Petition was filed in a timely manner, it is an avenue of appeal that is still available to be pursued, as shown in this Joint Status Memorandum filed on June 2, 2004.
In 2000, work began on developing evidence that would support an "actual innocence" claim. (See Jessie's update here for more detail) In 2001, Jason filed a motion to have the evidence in this case properly preserved and made available for DNA testing, and requested a hearing on the issue. After a lengthy delay, in 2003 Judge Burnett finally entered an Order for Preservation of Evidence, without holding a hearing.
At this time, the DNA testing requested by all three is proceeding. Judge Burnett finally signed the Order for DNA Testing, which was filed June 2, 2004. Getting all parties to agree on what specifically would be tested, where it would be tested, etc., was a time consuming process. As of August 2006, we are still waiting on the completion of the testing. Once we have an update to report, it will be posted on our News page.
As mandated by the court, Paul Ford prepared Jason's direct appeal to the Arkansas Supreme Court, but he hasn't represented Jason since. Nor has Robin Wadley, Jason's other trial attorney, who has been disbarred for reasons unrelated to this case. Another legal team is conducting Jason’s appeals and they are working in conjunction with Damien and Jessie's lawyers on DNA issues and investigation.
Write to Jason at:
Jason Baldwin #103335
P.O. Box 240
Tucker, AR 72168-0240
Please remember his prisoner ID number (#103335) must be included in the address. The prison mail rules are here, and we strongly suggest everyone take the time to read them.
Further information about the West Memphis 3:
