West Memphis 3 Released: The Alford Plea Explained

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Even though the West Memphis 3 struck a plea deal with prosecutors, they legally maintained their innocence while admitting there's enough evidence to convict them. Confused?

Judge D'Army Bailey and attorney Caren Nichol join FOX13 to explain the 'Alford plea,' and how it was used to set the West Memphis 3 free.

The Alford plea is a guilty plea in criminal court where the defendant does not admit the act and asserts innocence. Under the Alford plea, the defendant admits that sufficient evidence exists with which the prosecution could likely convince a judge or jury to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.