Yates case update: At the press conference today in which Tom Yates, the father of murdered 8 year old girl Amy Yates, called for the release of the 12 year old who had been convicted of his daughter's death, several new facts were learned: 1) Yates spoke with the parents of the 18 year old new confessor and heard him confess in the background; 2) Yates believes that the 18 year old knew details only the true killer would have known; 3) These details include the fact that she was found at the bottom of the hill and that his description matched details of the bruising on her neck andhow she was held down. Prosecutors and police still insit the right boy is in custody. The AJC quotes Carroll County Prosecutor Skandalakis as saying "He [the young man] could not tell us what happened" and that the 18-year-old has recanted his confession, saying it was the product of a dream. It is ironic that prosecutors and police are referring to the statement as a "dream statement". Police officers routinely ask suspects if they had visions or dreams to keep them talking about crimes when they claim not to remember details. It is a classic interrogation tactic and one that has been linked to many false confessions. It's late arrival in this saga may be some evidence of an attempt to confuse the 18 year old boy and raises suspcions in my mind of a potential cover-up. The case is back in court on March 29 when Gerald Word, attorney for the 12 year old boy seeks to have the Alford plea vacated.
