The latest attempt by three of the “Norfolk Four” to have their convictions overturned was denied by the Virginia Supreme Court today.

The Virginian-Pilot reports that “the justices found no grounds to reverse an earlier trial court decision.” In all likelihood, this leaves Danial Williams, Joe Dick and Eric Wilson with only federal appeals at their disposal.

The three men, who say they falsely confessed to the 1997 rape and murder of Michelle Moore-Bosko, were conditionally pardoned by then-Gov. Tim Kaine in 2009. Essentially, this means they’re out of jail but their convictions still stand: they must register as sex offenders and are ineligible for some types of employment.

Today’s court decision comes over a month after one of the Norfolk Four was fully exonerated. “The recent dismissal of charges against Derek Tice underscores their innocence and the need to vacate the wrongful convictions that remain intact in their cases,” say the trio’s attorneys.

For essential background, watch our 2010 film on the Norfolk Four and take a look at our comprehensive case timeline.

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