By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
May 14, 2001
Mississippi Attorney General Mike Moore refuses to concede the deaths of defendants and key witnesses, along with the passage of time, will stop state prosecution in the 1964 case of three slain civil rights workers in Philadelphia.
But recent events, including the death of former Neshoba County deputy Cecil Price, are forcing a re-evaluation of the effort.
In an interview with The Meridian Star's editorial board, Moore said the case was nearing grand jury presentation shortly before Price's death last week.
Moore and District Attorney Ken Turner agreed the case should be reinvestigated and prosecuted, if supported by available evidence.
Kids and crime
Moore also covered other topics in his interview with The Star.
Smart on crime'
Moore said a model example of "smart on crime" comes from a McComb judge who sentences drug offenders to treatment and employment programs, rather than to jail.
Cybercrime
Moore said the next step will be to conduct comprehensive training, a project to be undertaken in at the Meridian/Lauderdale County Training Facility next month.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.