WASHINGTON (June 21, 2005) - “The guilty manslaughter conviction of Edgar Ray Killen today can only be described as a monumental victory for the state of Mississippi, our justice system and the American public. The jurors’ guilty verdict sends a strong message throughout this nation that there is no place for murder and misdeeds. Although it took 41 years, justice has prevailed in this case and will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for the endless pursuit of the truth in other outstanding murder cases such as Emmett Till.”

 “Whether it takes a year or 50, no criminal should ever rest comfortably with the notion that he/she beat the system. I hope the guilty verdict of Mr. Killen brings a sense of closure and peace for the families of James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman.” 

 “Mr. Killen’s conviction should put all living co-conspirators involved in Emmett Till’s murder case on notice: You can’t hide and families will not heal until you are brought to justice.”

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