A rally for the Fairbanks Four in Alaska. Photo from Facebook

Four Native men who were convicted of a murder they insist they did not commit remain in limbo after a judge in Alaska canceled a hearing that would have settled the long-running case.

Marvin Roberts, George Frese, Eugene Vent and Kevin Pease -- also known as the Fairbanks Four -- reached a settlement to be released from prison for the October 1997 murder of John Hartman. Judge Paul Lyle was supposed to hear the matter this morning but questioned whether he had the ability to relieve the men of their prison terms.

"Trial judges have no desire to stand in the way of lawful settlements," Lyle wrote in an order that was published by The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. "However, the undersigned is unaware of the legal authority that would permit the immediate release of prisoners who have withdrawn their claims innocence, while the state continues to assert the validity of their convictions."

Roberts is already out of prison after being granted parole earlier this year. Frese, Vent and Pease could have been released today had the hearing gone forward.

Many Alaska Natives contend the evidence against the four was weak. They also believe race played a factor in the handling of the case. Hartman was non-Native -- Roberts, Frese and Vent are Native and Pease is a member of the Crow Tribe of Montana.

The four defendants were all under the age of 21 at the time of the incident. Hartman was only 15 years old when he died.

Get the Story:
Fairbanks Four hearing on hold over legality of proposed settlement (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 12/11)
Proposed deal to free the Fairbanks Four challenged by judge (Alaska Dispatch News 12/10)
Judge details why he cancelled Friday’s Fairbanks Four hearing (KTVA 12/10)
Judge cancels Fairbanks Four hearing scheduled for Friday (KTUU 12/10)

Related Stories:
Native men could be released from prison for 1997 murder case (12/10)
Fairbanks Four seek justice after being convicted of 1997 murder (10/27)
Mark Trahant: Alaska's reluctant pursuit of justice for Native men (10/19)
Dermot Cole: Native men still seeking justice after 18 years (08/18)
Alaska Native man finally out on parole in 1997 homicide case (6/30)
Tanana Chiefs Conference increases reward for 1997 case (04/17)
Tanana Chiefs Conference offers reward for 1997 homicide (5/24)