Hood stated that no living suspects are available to face charges for the lynchings committed by James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. The victims disappeared on June 21, 1964. Hood denied this. Their bodies were discovered under an earthen dam a month and half later. Hood stated in a press release that the FBI, my office, and other law enforcement agencies had spent decades searching for leads, finding evidence, and fighting for justice. It has been a thorough, comprehensive investigation. “I am confident that investigators have done all they can under the law over the past 52 years to find and hold those responsible accountable. However, we have concluded that there is no chance of any further convictions. Hood stated that investigators had been interviewing witnesses in this case since 18 months ago. Edgar Ray Killen was convicted of orchestrating the murders by Neshoba County and state prosecutors in 2005. Killen was convicted for manslaughter, and sentenced to 60-years in prison. He is now 91 years old and can be released in 2027. Hood stated that while two other men, Jimmy Lee Townsend (and Pete Harris) are suspected of being involved in the murders, there is not enough evidence to charge them both. Hood stated that the federal Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007, which was passed in 2007, allowed investigators to continue their investigation. Both the U.S. House of Representatives (and the Senate) have introduced bills to reauthorize this act, with both Mississippi senators supporting its passage. Hood stated that closing the case requires the filing of a final report to the U.S. Department of Justice, which will be a historical record. Hood stated that children will be able to see that the federal government tried its best to prosecute the case. Hood said that although the case has been closed, it could still be reopened if new evidence is discovered or witnesses are brought forward.