Court rules 'Angola 3' inmate can be tried a third time for murder

In Louisiana, a federal appeals court decided Monday 2-1 that Albert Woodfox, a member of the "Angola 3," can be tried a third time for the murder of a prison guard in 1972.

The ruling reverses U.S. District Judge James Brady's June order that Woodfox — who has been in solitary confinement since convicted of killing guard Brent Miller — be released immediately. Brady also barred a third trial, saying the state would not be able to give Woodfox a fair trial more than 40 years after the murder, CBS News reports. Woodfox is the only member of the "Angola 3" still in prison; Robert King was released in 2001, and Herman Wallace in 2013. Woodfox maintains his innocence, and supporters say the men were trying to bring attention to misconduct and abuse at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola when they were charged and convicted of the murder. Woodfox was serving time for armed robbery and assault when the murder took place.

State officials say Woodfox is not completely isolated, and can speak with his fellow inmates, receive visitors, watch television through the bars of his cell, and leave his cell for one hour a day, CBS News reports.

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