Misskelley was tried separately from Echols and Baldwin due to the “Bruton rule”, which meant his confession couldn’t be used against his co – conspirators in a joint trial. He received a life sentence and lost a subsequent appeal.
In 2011, the three teens were released from prison as part of a plea deal, having been incarcerated for 18 years for crimes they didn’t commit. Stidham reflected on the justice system, criticizing the state of Arkansas for not fully admitting their mistakes. He argued that the Alford plea, based on North Carolina versus Alford, was a waste of time as it didn’t truly address the issue of justice.