November 17, 2004

            Today is an historic day of justice and for victims’ rights

            We may never know how many murders Coral Watts attempted or committed. He has confessed to 19, is believed to have been involved in dozens more – but today, finally, he has received his first murder conviction. Unfortunate circumstances brought us here today, but finally, justice has prevailed: Coral Eugene Watts will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

            I’d like to thank the talented men and women of my Criminal Division – from extradition to litigation, they have been there, under the leadership of Kevin Simowski and Tom Furtaw, giving this their all, and truly are credits to our Department. I’d also like to thank the state and local police and prosecutors, from Texas and Michigan, who worked too hard to extradite Watts back to Michigan, so that, finally, he would have his day in court.

            Today is also an historic day for our Department, and a proud day for Donna Pendergast and Tom Cameron who worked so hard in the courtroom. When I was sworn in as Attorney General, I created an Office of Special Investigations – a "cold case" unit – to go through Michigan’s unsolved murders, and bring today’s perspectives and best practices to those cases. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference, and my office stands ready to help. We are committed to working with local police and prosecutors in solving these cases. Murder has no statute of limitations, and in Michigan, justice will know no bounds.

            Finally, I’d like to say a few words to the families and loved ones of Watts’ victims. While today is a good day for Michigan, and a proud day for justice, I know that it must come as a hollow victory to you. The ones you loved are still gone, and while I know that no words and no verdict can ever bring them back, I hope you can take comfort in today’s actions. Finally, justice has been served in the murder of Helen Dutcher.

            Again, thank you all for being here, and I’d be happy to take your questions.

            
-- 30 --

For further information contact: Randall Thompson
517-373-8060 (Office)
State of Michigan, Department of Attorney General