The West Memphis Three Series Part I: Set Free Or Where They Should Be?
West Memphis, Arkansas- On Wednesday May 5, 1993 three eight your old cub scouts and best buds Michael Moore, Stevie Branch and Chris Byers ventured into the RobinHood Hill Woods after 6:30 PM.
While their worried parents made numerous calls to police and actively looked for them in the area into the late evening, there was no sign of them in spite of neighbors going door to door. Unfortunately there was a shift change at the West Memphis Police Department, and no detectives were called in until the following morning.
That critical error by the WMPD is the start of a voluminous list of mishaps and negligence that would plague this case from the onset, and quite possibly earn Damien “Icky” Wayne Echols (a/k/a Michael Wayne Hutchison) Charles Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Lloyd Misskelley, Jr, a new trial.
I was asked to review this case and present my findings to a colleague who had been privately retained in this case, with the agreement that I would publish my investigative report regardless of the conclusions I reached
In the interest of disclosure, I am admittedly a big fan of Johnny Depp and Eddie Vedder and I wanted nothing more than to let them know they could count me in as the newest advocate for “free west Memphis 3”.
First, The Good News?
At the onset of my research, I thought it was pretty clear that there absolutely was juror misconduct in the Echols/Baldwin trial, which has yet to be ruled on for the defense team, and I agree that the same judge who heard the instant case should not have heard the appeal, especially in a capital case.
As a practical matter, lawyers, specifically defense attorneys, are charged with extracting the “guilt or innocence fact” as it relates to the crime and zealously defending their clients rights and presumption of innocence.
Conversely, the prosecution is charged with presenting a case they believe will result in a conviction of the indictment as presented, while adhering to the rules of criminal procedure under the Arkansas supreme court.
I think it is a fair statement to say that in both trials, neither endeavor was accomplished and we should all be uncomfortable with how it could threaten our collective rights under our constitution should it go unaddressed in general, and not just in this case with these defendants.
The larger issue at hand, is changes to DNA statutes and the states plain language misapplication of the “actual claim of innocence” under rule 37.
Simply put, it means that the new evidence, testing, the evidence of any jury misconduct, when evaluated with all other evidence both inculpating and exculpatory whether or not it was presented at trial, is a second bite of the apple- FOR BOTH SIDES.
The burden, however, is on the defense to argue that a new jury would likely acquit all three based on the totality of that evidence today. It should be noted that the Supreme Court will rule on this hearing as to whether or not a new trial is warranted giving EQUAL weight to direct, physical and circumstantial evidence, which is also the charge to a jury.
I support the hearings to begin December 5, 20011, with cameras present because I believe in transparency and the law is clear that it provides for “higher burdens” in capital cases.
I purposely studied trial transcripts pleadings and filings in advance of all actual evidence and exhibits because I did not want any basis I had for procedural errors to influence my opinion.
My advance apologies for those reading that are new to the facts of this case for leading with the caboose, there is a method to my engineering.
To an extent, I can bifurcate the issues of guilt or innocence vs. our rights under the constitution to due process.
I am less open to it given the recent verdict in the murder trial of Casey Anthony, where the similar problem but different verdict of no direct physical evidence tied to the accused resulted in her jury acquittal, but that is not the only topical comparison one can make between these two cases, more on that in the final installment of this series.
Brief Background: West Memphis Three Support
The HBO Series Paradise Lost, a documentary filmed by Joe Berlinger & Bruce Sinofsky’s company Creative Thinking International with the full participation of both the prosecution and the defense, paid for a portion of the defense of Echols and Baldwin directly to their lawyers and to them by way of a trust in the name of their attorneys. Once the victim’s families learned of this, each of the victim’s families was paid an undisclosed honorarium for their participation in 1994, prior to its airing in 1996.
Although Baldwin and Echols benefited financially from the arrangement, they sued their attorneys Dan Stidham and Val Price for ineffectiveness of counsel and conflict of interest.
Loosely translated, they have accused them of not hiring defense expert witnesses and well, ineffectiveness.
It is due to that ruling we are sort of “where we are now.
That said, the funding for expert witnesses for these proceedings have been and continue to be paid in part by Arkansas Take Action (ATA), founded by Lorri Davis, Echols wife.
The major celebrity fundraisers and contributors to West Memphis Three via ATA cite “Paradise Lost” as the impetus for their personal advocacy and sponsorship.
I can’t say that I would have blamed them then, as it was not until the series aired, and the “slant” of innocence of the accused by the producers became known to the prosecution and the families, and all but one family member of one of the victim’s declined participation in its sequel. Naturally my first reaction to various organizations, including ATA post conviction fund raising for the defense of 3 convicted murders was a violation of the son of Sam law.
Not in Arkansas. A convict can use funds raised on its behalf for its defense. Let’s hope recently elected Senator David Burnett, the former judge on this case has amending that law on his action item list this year.
Playing to The CSI Effect- Excellent Strategy
Last November, In response to a united appeal decision by the Arkansas supreme court, previously denied by the circuit court in 2007 and argued by famed attorney Dennis Riordon on behalf of Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley, the west Memphis three were granted a new evidentiary hearing to take place on December 5, 2011 based on further DNA, fiber and hair analysis.
It is the goal of the defense team to use the hearing to win a new trial.
Last month, the case status update reports new DNA findings exclude all three suspects. There are 2 spots on a victim’s shoe that are the profile of a common unidentified male, and another spot with a different male profile.
It is the defense’s position that this exonerates Echols, Baldwin and Miskelley, because it does not belong to them, which was stated similarly in just about every news article as well.
It does nothing of the kind, as there were over a dozen WMPD personnel on scene who could absolutely be the origin of the DNA.
The defense claims it is “not their job as a defense team” to establish whose DNA it is.
While that is true, presenting that evidence as exculpatory has already been addressed by the court on it’s own merit. Consideration by the court of this evidence, and all other evidence whether presented at trial or not is in effect, giving the state the power to decide guilt or innocence and makes the rule 37 “ruling” moot.
This is a very wide berth for both sides, and in this author’s opinion, a “be careful what you wish for situation” for at least one defendant, if not all three, ultimately.
Ditched In A Ditch
Because of the snafu that no detectives were notified until early morning on May 6th, detectives were trudging through the crime scene they did not yet know was a crime scene; until Detective Mike Allen saw the unmistakable yellow cub scout hat and a child’s sneaker floating in the stream.
While Mike Allen attempted to retrieve the items by leaning over the creek with his hands on a tree on the opposite side, he lost his footing on the muddy bank and slid into the murky aquatic coffin of the missing boys.
Allen’s foot slid underneath the first victim, and caused the naked, hogtied and badly bruised body of Michael Moore to float to the surface at approximately 1 PM.
Chris Byers and Steve Branch were found by Detective Bryn Ridge approximately one hour and 45 minutes later 25 feet downstream, face down, and fully submerged and were located by the apparent purposeful placement of sticks jammed into the mud. The sticks had items of the boys clothing wrapped around the bottom ends.
Byers and Branch were also naked, hog-tied and badly beaten; Stevie sustained significant gouging wounds to the left of his face and Chris was emasculated. Despite the fact that the coroner was 2 hours away, all 3 victims were removed from the ditch and placed on the banks, all three were still bleeding from their wounds and covered by black plastic while WMPD continued to collect evidence from the scene. County workers were enlisted to pump out the stream to collect evidence.
Also at the scene, was Crittenden County juvenile probation officer Steve Jones who suggested detectives speak to Damien Echols. Lt James Sudbury and Steve Jones paid Echols a visit the next day.
Satanic Panic No Manic Yes
Satanic Panic. Throw that phrase into any equation and I already do not believe it. This crime was in no way connected to a cult or an offering of sacrifice of any kind.
In December 2008 I had an opportunity to consult with retired 35 year FBI Behavioral Science Unit chief, Special Agent Ken Lanning, in a different case that showed elements of “Satanism”.
If he says there is no ritual activity associated with this crime, there is no better authority, and he does.
It should be noted prior to the prosecution phase of the murders, the FBI advised John Fogleman not to proceed with that angle as the motive.
I respect that on the surface some believe that Echols was singled out because he had jet black long hair, wore all black, carved a pentagram into his chest, etc. That is until the 500 pages of his medical reports and prior criminal record were released.
However, what I do NOT respect, is that at no time was Echols singled out for any other reason than his OWN WORDS and his OWN ACTIONS.
In a recent episode of True Crime By Aphrodite Jones, Misskelley’s former attorney Dan Stidham, now working pro bono assisting Dennis Riordan et al, calls the west Memphis three “throwaway kids”.
He goes on to say that they were arrested because they were dirt poor with family problems and WMPD was under terrific pressure to make an arrest.
Mara Leveritt, a reporter for the Arkansas Times who wrote a book on the case called Devils Knot and who also participated in the HBO series, has continued to be very outspoken that the police and prosecution railroaded these kids.
Leveritt helped start the west Memphis 3 innocence project in 2008 when Lorri Davis refused to open the books of Arkansas Take Action, but has since joined the ATA movement, which is said to have raised well over a million dollars and actively seeking donations today.
There is no dispute whatsoever that Echols, Baldwin and Miskelley lived in squalor with broken families and all three lines of parentage were wrought with mental issues and extreme poverty.
There is much dispute however that prior to their arrests, although several locals pointed the finger directly at Echols and through association Baldwin, that WMPD focused only on them.
In fact, the first time Jason Baldwin’s name came up in connection with the murders was from Damien Echols himself. That’s right, in his questionnaire answer he gave during an interview at WMPD on May 9, 1993; he suggested Jason Baldwin and L.G. Hollingsworth could be responsible. (insert image)
There were well over 100 witness interviews, dozens of warrants for hair and blood samples from various individuals, local sex offenders, out of state relocation’s and the like being scratched off the list as the investigation progressed, as well as witnesses passing polygraphs, thus eliminating them.
The indisputable truth is that these teenagers had a long criminal and violent history in this tiny community.
They all had the same probation officer that knew all of them for years, spent enough time in the community and received updated mental health progress reports to suspect Echols initially, absolutely.
Thus the concept of “supervised probation”.
Taking The Myth out of Mythunderstood
Damien Echols
Damien Echols is the son of Pam and Eddie Hutchison. Pam was plagued with psychological issues her entire life which included nobody knowing where she was adopted from, and Eddie left the family after he got his first and only moderate paying job.
Jack Echols, Pam’s next husband, adopted Damien and his sister Constance Michelle. According to medical and social records, Jack Echols sexually abused Michelle and was verbally and physically abusive to all. Pam left Jack and resumed her relationship with Hutchison in the months before the murders. Their rented trailer had one working door and no bedroom for Damien.
There are no elementary records for Damien, and by both parents accounts, he lived his early childhood in a shack in the middle of a field with no water or electricity.
In the 18 months prior to the murders, Damien Echols was arrested for trespassing, sexual misconduct and committed to a psychiatric hospital for the second last time.
He was suspended from school seven times the year before, once for lighting a fire in the back of class, the last time because he clawed the face of Shane Divilbiss, a romantic rival for the affections of Deanna Holcomb, who was arrested with Damien a few months later.
Damien’s last commitment, while living with the recently relocated family in Aloha Oregon was caused by Echols threatening to slit his mother’s throat and drink her blood, and subsequently eat his father.
Pam and Eddie Hutchison were so concerned about Damien’s behavior and his threats to them, they refused to allow him back into the home and sent him on a bus back to Arkansas.
The Hutchison’s moved back to West Memphis 6 weeks before the murders and Damien moved back in. Damien is suspected to have burned down his Father Andy Jack Echols garage and part of his trailer according to his friend Chris Littrell. Pam Echols Hutchison Metcalf is currently on disability for depression.
According to Damien’s OWN application for Social Security disability benefits, he was suffering from homicidal, sociopathic and suicidal ideations, manic depression and schizophrenia:
The exhibit known as the “500”, as in 500 pages of medical records tells the story the prosecution could not, due to the exclusion of “prior bad acts”. There was great concern about Damien’s escalating propensity for violence, so much so his probation officer removed the dog and cat skulls from his bedroom and expressed and great concern for acts against others. He felt the natural evolution of his violence was going to be humans 18 months prior to the murders.
Damien was told at the hospital that he could be the next Ted Bundy, he replied I always knew
In her first police interview, Pam tells WNPD Hutchison that packed up and left her the night before the boys were missing, and took everything to his Mother’s by 9PM.
Pam described Damien as upset and crying over the incident.
In her subsequent deposition in September 1993, now represented by Damien’s attorneys, Val Price and Scott Davison she recants this happened on this evening. Echols told detectives Damien was normal, and that he had no problems. It was not until detectives prompted her that they knew of his hospitalizations through his probation officer that she even admitted he was on medication. I have dubbed her the Cindy Anthony of West Memphis.
HUTCHISON: I THINK HE’S A PRETTY DECENT YOUNG MAN, I’VE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH HIM.
HUTCHISON: NO, HE WASN’T FAIRLY NORMAL, HE WAS, HE WAS MUCH BETTER THAN NORMAL.
SUDBURY: SO AS FOR AS DISCIPLINED?
HUTCHISON: HE WAS NEVER DISCIPLINED PROBLEM, NO
The Echols lived mostly on and off with Randy and Susan Sanders, Randy is a convicted sex offender and felon.
He was arrested for public masturbation 3 months before the murders.
Charles Jason Baldwin
Jason is the son of Larry Baldwin and Angela Baldwin Grinnell, his divorced parents who are also second cousins. Three months before the murders, Jason’s mom was involuntarily hospitalized for paranoid delusions after Jason found her bleeding from self-inflicted injuries and called 911.
Angela’s second husband and Jason’s step-dad, Terry Grinnell went to live at his Mom’s. Five years before the murders, in Shelby County, it is believed Jason started a fire in the bedroom of the family home. Baldwin was on probation since he was 13 for criminal mischief and most recently for shoplifting in May 1993. Since Echols return from Oregon, Baldwin’s grades were on the down slide and he was warned that if he missed school it would violate his probation.
On May 5, 1993, Angela and her live-in boyfriend Dink Dent had an altercation and she kicked him out the following day, after public announcement the boys had been murdered.
Jason was responsible for looking after his younger brother Matt, and step-brother Terry Jr. now that his parents had separated. The night Jason was arrested, his step-dad was again living with the family, and Angela returned home from work to find WMPD searching their home.
She became hysterical and began screaming at Terry, accusing him of turning Jason in for the reward money. Jason was at Damien’s house the evening of their arrest on June 3, 1993; they turned the lights out and hid under the bed when WMPD came to place them into custody.
Jessie Lloyd Misskelley, Jr.
Jesse and his brother with special needs were abandoned by their Mother when they were toddlers. Jessie’s’ older brother was eventually institutionalized a few years later.
Jesse was on and off probation since he was 11 years old. Most recently, one month before the murders, he was convicted of beating up a 13 year old girl.
In the weeks following the murders, Lee Rush, the live-in girlfriend of Jessie’s father, was awakened on more than one occasion by loud sobbing in the middle of the night coming from Jessie’s room.
When she asked him what was wrong, he simply told her that he was upset his girlfriend was moving away.
As detectives were waiting in the living room of the Misskelley trailer for the CST team to arrive to exact the search following Jessie’s arrest, Lee told them that story three times. She claimed she “knew something was wrong”.
Mr. Misskelley stated that Jessie might have been there, but he did not murder those kids.
Buddy Lucas, a friend of Jessie’s, would tell investigators after his arrest that Miskelley confessed to him the day after the murders that he was there, and asked him to take the blue and white adidas shoes he had been wearing.
Preponderance Or Propaganda
I have watched countless interviews, and opinions where an “expert” believes the west Memphis three are wrongly accused, it is usually followed by- ” ..there is no physical evidence to tie them to the crime..” For starters, that is inaccurate. There is voluminous amounts of physical and trace evidence, albeit circumstantial.
They were not wrongly accused, there was a confession by someone involved trying to make it look like he was not, by skewing facts so he could get the reward money for turning in Baldwin and Echols and buy his dad a truck.
That does not sound like a mentally challenged minor, it sounds to me like he told his Dad he was there, but did not do anything could he tell the cops the truth with his permission? I am referring to the first confession, subsequent two others with the corrected facts and his admission FOLLOWING his conviction against his attorneys advice. I will analyze both his statements as they relate to the evidence in Part 3.
Since when does a DNA sample, found on items handled by multiple people, which does not match a suspect, exclude them? Most specifically, when there are partial profiles available from serology that do not EXCLUDE them?
NEW PROSECUTION EVIDENCE TIED TO ECHOLS AND BALDWIN
Exclusively on www.blinkoncrime.com, during the course of our investigation of the case file, new and additional evidence has been uncovered linking Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin to the murders.
The INFAMOUS BR1
A plastic bag with the Road Runner Petro logo found at the scene containing inter alia a black thermal t shirt size Medium, a khaki short sleeve button down shirt size L, men’s size 33-34 Jordache jeans, a pair of white socks recovered from the pipe near the scene. A red fiber found on Michael Moore ‘s boyscout shirt, which was microscopically similar to a red and white pullover shirt of Echols, was also found in this bag.
Although the fiber matched one from the victim, and one belonging to Echols, investigators could never tie-in the bag to one of the suspects.
When Echols was interviewed on May 9, he told Gary Gitchell that he was a roofer and worked for Alderson roofing. This is also confirmed by some of his medical records.
In the only deposition Eddie Hutchison gave, he told detectives he worked at Petro.
Although he purposely never referred to it as Road Runner Petro, www.blinkoncrime.com was able to trace the names of his supervisors back to the Memphis, TN Road Runner Petro.
Alderson Roofing & Metal shares a parking lot with Road Runner Petro.
I submit, either connection ties “Icky” to the Road Runner bag. To date, no personnel from either Road Runner or Alderson roofing has been interviewed. No responses to our requests for interviews have been received by this articles publication.
Possible Weapon?
One thing that most experts have agreed on, with a few exceptions to be discussed later is that the injuries to the boys did not come from a knife. The defense strongly believes that the knife found in the lake behind Baldwin’s trailer was not used and I agree that the “grapefruit is not just for breakfast anymore” stunt by John Fogleman was ridiculous and should never have been allowed, and stricken at a minimum. However, I do think Jason Baldwin was the owner of the primary weapon used in the assault and murders of Chris, Stevie, and Michael on May 5, 1993.
The day before the murders, Tuesday May 4, 1993, Jason Baldwin traded 3 t shirts for a curved “throwing” knife, and a mountain climbing ice pick. On Friday May 8, 1993 Jason had his little brother Matthew return those items, he had kept hidden under his bed for the last few days, claiming “somebody was going to accuse him of using them.”
On May 11, 1993 Billy and Kenny Newell turned the weapons over to WMPD.
5-11-93
Statement of Kenny Newell
Lakeshore Drive
Jason was over at our house and Billy wanted to
trade something for some shirts. And the only thing
Billy has good enough to trade is the weapons. Billy
picked the shirts he wanted and they traded. And 3
or 4 days later Jason’s little brother brong the pick
and the nife back and got the shirts but we didn’t
find the testement shirt so he still has it.
Jason Baldwin and his brother Mathew Baldwin
lives west from our house at the street right before
the last one by the fild 3 or 4 trailers down on the left.
Billy Newell is my brother. The first trade took place at the early part of last week. The second trade took place
at the last part of the same week.
This statement was completed at 6:28PM on the 5-11-93
The Newell brothers were never called as witnesses, and the ice axe seems to have been put on the shelf after there were no latents detected.
Based on visual analysis of the crime, autopsy macros and photos I have reviewed, 14 experts reports, trial testimony and witness statements to the fact that Jason Baldwin’s post offense behavior had him get rid of it through a peripheral party PRIOR to any LE interaction indicating he was a suspect, it is my personal opinion this weapon was used in the commission of these murders. Please see similar axe image close ups:
I do not profess to have any earthly idea why this ice axe was not previously compared to the wounds in this case as a possible murder weapon, but our analysis finds this instrument is consistent with the wounds sustained by the victims in this crime, encompassing ante-mortem, perimortem and postmortem inflictions of all three boys.
WARNING GRAPHIC WARNING GRAPHIC WARNING GRAPHIC WARNING GRAPHIC
Complete Autopsy Files on each victim can be found here. Viewing autopsy images of a graphic nature is highly upsetting to most people, if you are one of those, I would encourage you to leave the site as I am making an extended entry here so one must click the next page to view as an opt in permission following the warning.
WARNING GRAPHIC WARNING GRAPHIC WARNING GRAPHIC WARNING GRAPHIC
Complete Autopsy Files on each victim can be found here. Viewing autopsy images of a graphic nature is highly upsetting to most people, if you are one of those, I would encourage you to leave the site.
The following information is not intended to take the place of the full and complete autopsy reports available , it is for demonstrative purposes of support as to the possibility that the mountain climbing pick, subsequently referred to as ice pick, is a possible murder weapon. I refer to relevant injuries only, and in some cases I have cropped images to illustrate only those and protect the privacy of the victims.
Michael Moore:
Situated on the left parietal scalp was a dove-tail type laceration measuring 3/4 by 1/8 inch. At the inferior margin of the wound was an extension patterned contusion in the form of an upside down “L”; the vertical portion measured 1/2 inch and the horizontal portion measured 1/4 inch. Moore’s left side surfaced when it was “dislodged” by Mike Allen’s foot.
Stevie Branch:
Stevie had large gouging wounds to the left side of his face, they are believed to be perimortem as they have sections of skin torn from the inside of the cheek and described as “interrupted” cuts. Byers gouging wounds are referred to as similar in Dr. Peretti’s report.
*Image too graphic refer to description only*
Q. Okay. And using that if you could explain to the Court 15 your biggest concern regarding this not being a bite mark. 16 A. My biggest concern of it not being a bite mark — if you 17 look at this one with this curve and this curve and this curve 18 and this curve (INDICATING) — there are curved lines all over 19 this poor victim and even deep gashes which also have a similar 20 curvature which show up better on the side view — the left 21 side of the face. 22 Q. Doctor, could you refer to that exhibit number on that? 23 A. Exhibit Thirteen M is the blow-up, and that’s the blow-up 24 of the original Ten M.
Chris Byers:
The only one of the three that does not have a cause of death related to drowning, bled to death from a gouging wound to his penis and scrotum. In original trial testimony, Dr. Peretti testified it could have been caused by the “Baldwin” serrated knife, other knives, or a piece of broken and jagged glass.
*Image Too graphic* Refer to description
In subsequent hearings, Expert following expert has testified that this was NOT a cutting wound, but a wound that was “tearing” in nature. What several experts also testified to, was that the victims were covered with “curved wounds.”
To be continued : Part 2 A continuation of the evidence in the case against the West Memphis Three .
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This is going to be one of those lather, rinse, repeat…reads. My last comment on the previous thread was deleted, but I DO understand why. My apollies for getting ahead of myself. Next to Caylee’s, this case has given me infinite sleepless nights. To quote Judge Perry’s statement about the c word probation, this is a mess.
To add, ya just know something ain’t right when the likes of Johnny Depp, Natalie Mains and Winona Ryder to name a few, get themselves involved (although JD defends Roman Polanski as not being a predator. Hello….McFly).
My only question, at this point, is why the heck is it taking so long to retry this case? The so called new evidence is not that new.
My heart really does go to the families. My heart especially breaks for Michael, Stevie and Chris. There are no words to describe how they died. It would only be an understatement.
I’m so stinkin grateful you took this on Blink. If anyone can help these little men rest in peace and perhaps give much needed answers to their families, it’s you.
God bless your journey <3
Ragdoll, thank you as always for your support.
The evidence and transcripts in this case spans 18 years, at a time when CSI collection, chain of custody and “expert” sophistication are like watching Qunicy ( which I loved, but you get the point). I studied and reviewed more than in the Cword case by far, and I still was on the floor over the ice axe.
I need to finish inputing all of the links so that folks can do their own research on any points, but even the experts on the same team in some cases did not agree. I have not even gotten to that yet, lol.
What continues to bother me, is that the media allows these softball interviews, does not do their homework, because they want interviews. Nobody ever asks the views on the damaging evidence and how that might be explained.
I worked on this case because I cannot possibly think of a sicker outcome than a person or persons capable of such atrocity walking around.
B
Wow! I am speechless. You are right Blink about the media not doing their homework. My views on this case have been way skewed (sp?) Now you’ve got me waiting like a friday night cliff-hanger. LOL Can’t wait to read “the rest of the story.” Thanks for all your work on these cases.
TY for your support of the truth, wherever it leads, I can’t tell you what a refreshing sentiment that is.
B
Okay Blink- you have my attention-
Excellent article- superbly laid out
1 The wounds were still bleeding
2 the possible weapons not looked at
3 previous bad acts not brought forth
4 parents outright lies
5 documentary released blatantly pro-defense- seems to twist facts to fool the public not to get at the truth
6 new trial needed because of “no physical evidence” tying them to the crime
7 New DNA evidence could be analysts investigators, does not exclude them- “not the defenses job” to find out whose DNA it is-
It is apparent that you and your team believe that the right perps are in jail-I am not convinced just yet Blink- but I wish to read more of your findings. Some of the evidence that was not brought forth to the jury seems to be the most compelling- and I am glad that you touched upon the theory of Satanic worship-and disregarded it-
It is hard to believe that LE never followed through on the clothing found or the Roadrunner petro tie in…good work Blink
It would seem that you and your team are willing to give the victims and their families an opportunity to be heard load and clear through the evidence albeit circumstancial– and that BOC seems to be up against the well funded defense that seems to be garnering sympathy and advocacy through misinformation- bringing wellmeaning people to the side of the 3-
I again wish to hear the complete series before making any judgments
One thing is very clear- those poor little boys were tortured and beaten and left for dead- and whomever did this, deserves the harshest punishment that justice can bring-
-May those little boys Rest In Peace – may heart aches for what they endured. Blink may your hardwork help to ensure that justice is served and upheld.
—
BTW- your article seems to be missing an image- after the paragraph regarding Damians questionaire it reads-(insert image here)
TY Mom 3.0-
I am aware I need to add some links and images, we got a bad storm here as I was posting which interfered with my upload, am working on it now.
I think we are dealing with a bevy of issues, and largely a question we ALL need to ask ourselves.
A hypothetical:
What if our agenda about jurisprudence or civil rights would ultimately release people capable of the worst possible atrocities? For those who have a simple answer of “Im ok with that”, I suggest they need to be prepared to have such individuals living in their neighborhood, amongst their small children.
I admire celebs propensity to be socially productive, and provide resources for same, they absolutely should.
What I would like to see as this progresses, is the first one to not give a rats ass about their publicist advice and to say.. you know, my issue is about due process for all, and I feel that there were mistakes made in this case, but I am withdrawing my support that they are innocent.
I admit the indecency and brutalization these boys suffered is unthinkable, and I understand the natural tendency of folks being able to separate the rule of law from their emotion. As I will cover, these children suffered and died a merciless death.
Eddie Vedder asked me to educate myself, I have. I am going to now request the same of him.
I am not intending to change anyone’s opinion, I am asking that we all look at the totality of the evidence before forming conclusions either way, regardless of prior support.
I think advocates need to learn how to divorce a cause when it becomes a stranger, lol.
B
I believe the media and naive celebrities buy into the myth that it is better to set 10 guilty people free versus convicting one innocent person.
What they don’t consider is the things those 10 guilty people do with their freedom. Most will commit more crimes and a number of them will inflict severe damage on other innocent victims. They also neglect to take into account that a convicted person gets multiple shots at overturning the verdict whereas someone found to be innocent can never be retried even if incriminating evidence surfaces. When defendants are known to be of a violent predatory nature, the ten to one myth is an insult to the welfare of all innocent citizens.
Fwiw, I don’t think anyone has ever done the diligence to comfortably say that these 3 are absolutely innocent, they could not have. It is one thing to say that the prosecution has made errors, they have.
It is another to carry the weight of their innocense. How does one say that so assuredly with the apparent lack of knowledge in this case?
People find the vessel to get them where they need to go I guess.
B
Truly fantastic information. Like many people, I have always “had a little doubt” that maybe, just maybe the Memphis 3 were not guilty. The Memphis 3 are cold blooded murderers and should never, ever be set free! Lake Casey Anthoony they are EVIL MONSTERS, and I hope pay for the rest of their days for these cruel, brutal and senseless murders!!
Thank you Blink! I’m so glad we have you to ask those hard questions for us. There are lots of twists and turns here that you have carefully dissected out for us. The fact that the ice axe was overlooked as the possible murder weapon is not good, and “Icky” just became a whole lot ickier in my opinion. How do these women find these men? Do they purposefully look for them? I do not understand. Thank you for being so brave and whacking that “proverbial” hornet nest Blink!
I would love to see you write a book. It would help others, like myself, that have always “wondered” or had a “little doubt.” It’s a good feeling to no longer have any doubt.
I hope Echol’s wife takes the time to read this! Then dump his murdering azz!
I can promise you that she will not change her opinion, ever, regardless. This is her only income.
B
Although you did not have hyperlinks in your piece, I am familiar with some of the data so I was able to review the new evidence for myself.
I set this site on my RSS yesterday, I thought there was nobody that knew this case better than me. I have fought this fight for 12 years.
I expected the customary dissident puff piece.
I want my money back, and I want these terrorists to rot in jail and I want to apologize to the families I may have offended by supporting them. In my own way, I thought I was supporting the victims.
Get ready for the anti-establishment assholes who could not even tell you the names of the victims or how they died.
Is their contact information for the author on here I cannot find?
I have some account information I would like to share.
are you reachable on your email?
Thank You, I think- I had severe weather here so my uplinks failed, I will have them up shortly if not already.
B
I have been in West Memphis many times on trips to St. Louis and Chicago. This area is where a great many poor people live. And as those who know my feelings regarding poor, I am not speaking of money.
When I read of the axe and the other tools traded for shirts, it made me immediately think that this obviously mentally aflicted young man would want to try them out on an animal or another human. The young cub scouts were his victums. Did he have help? Probably the other two guys charged and convicted.
From time to time we learn of police work that leaves a lot to be desired. This appears to be one of those times. A patrol officer in a small community, such as West Memphis, is not likely to have proper training in maintaining the integrety of a crime scene. The fact that they removed the bodies from the creek prior to a dective arriving or any type of medically trained people being on-site probaby destroyed a lot of evidence.
Why didn’t anyone try to compare the wounds to the axe and other implements confiscated by the police? This occured in 1993, long before people in general realized that wounds, fibers and other items could provide clues to who performed the crime.
Based on the article,all of those incarcrated for this crime probably should be.
Good article Blink. All of this from the first reading. I will re-read and wait for parts II and III. A new trained pair of eyes can often find things that were not previously recognized.
I think the well intentioned prosecutor made some judgement calls, and let me say that defense attorneys in this area, or in general, with few exceptions, weilded the clout they can now with media money.
That is complete BS, and we need to call out checkbook journalism. I dont care what contracts these people hide behind. A pot of gold changes the way people function, period.
B
As I stated this morning I have looked at some of the information on this case in the past. From what I viewed, I was torn on whether their guilt. I think that is what made the case so fascinating and why I wanted to know more. Celebrities never really swayed me one way or another… we all have our own beliefs.
The “500” I had heard about but not looked into much. Maybe this is because I have a history of depression and self-injury when I was younger. It’s hard for me to read some stuff since it brings out the psychology loving side of me.
Anywho… I want more!! Everything I have watched has never really gotten that in depth or “done their homework”. Well done and I cannot wait for part 2!
Mom3.0
Love your lists. They usually cut right to the facts as to what is important. I learned long ago not to trust the media to get the story accurate. Some lack good reporting skills and some want to include their opinion as a part of the story.
We are all only as good as our knowledge and experience and our willingness to seek the truth.
Blink, I am glad you took on this case. I have read “some” on it but I, like apparently others, have generally come to believe that these boys were unjustly prosecuted. Caylee (and others) have shown that sometimes we have to dig deeper. I am looking forward to the rest of your analysis as the last time I read anything on this case, the victims families were firmly behind believing that these boys were wrongly prosecuted. Thank you for being the advocate that you are.
Thank you Survivor.
To clarify: Dana and Todd Moore believe strongly in the guilt of Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley and have never wavered.
Terry Hobbs, stepfather to Stevie Branch, believes in their guilt. He is a creepy dude, but I do not believe he had the motive, time, or profile to commit these crimes.
Pam Hobbs- believed in their guilt strongly until her break up with Hobbs. In her defense, I have seen her be “middle of the road” in this opinion based on a secondary transfer hair found in a ligature consistent with Hobbs and 7% of the caucasion population.
Rick Murray- Bio dad of Chris Byers believes in their guilt
Melissa Byers- believed in their guilt strongly through the time of her death, likely related to a drug overdose in March 1996.
J. Mark Byers- respectfully, is a moonbat, and he now feels the Memphis 3 should be freed because it gets him paid by HBO. He was a criminal informant, has a strong history of mental illness and drug use among other things, and frankly, he gives me the freaking creeps.
That said, he had nothing to do with this.
B
The “3″ who did this are sadistic beyond imagionation, and God forbid if they are ever released! Like Dahmer, and Ted Bundy and other sadist , it will only be a matter of time before they strike again! Like many, I’ve read about many crimes; but this is one that I will never, ever forget. I was visiting my BFF in the City of Memphis shortly after these children were slaughtered. Oh my! I can still remember the tears we shed. She is in heaven now; but I know she would be so very, very proud of you Blink…just like I am. Just stay strong and follow your kind heart!
Thank you kindly- I am just presenting information for “digestion”.
I think we all need to follow where it leads us.
B
p.S. I read the same article, out of New Jersey, that Duct Tape Killer had just signed a million dollar book deal…AND after all these years, they are going to NAME THE FATHER OF CAYLEE! He’s alive and well according to the BS article! Baez and Killer get more scummy by the day!
Baez is still a thug, and she is still a cold blooded murderer!
(sorry for ranting!)
Now I understand my doubts over there guilt.My only previous exposure to this case was watching Paridise Lost.An that was biased in there favour.You have brought a lot of information I was unaware of to the table.Did any of the acused take polygraphs? An if they did what were the results.An if they didnt were they offered an refused? Thankyou for this very informitive article an for the anguish an hard work you must have endured to research it. P S How is Damiens child doing got to be 18 years old now?
Jesse and Damien, they both failed.
Damien’s son, who now goes by Seth, appears to be doing ok, I will be touching on that briefly.
B
Wow, how uninformed I am! I will be watching with anticipation of your full anaylsis. Thank you for all you do. I don’t know how you do it. Some of the stories in the news today…too many to cover in depth…make me sick to my stomach. God bless you and all their souls.
This case is putrid. No way around the obvious.
B
Indeed. I’m with the belief that many may not like what will be revealed. Let’s face it, the dudes look guilty. Damien was the epitome of goth, they were misunderstood AND social outcasts of the town. Didn’t help that 1 has the IQ of a child, and another rebelled and disrespected the court during his own trial. That makes them guilty. Just like c word doesn’t look like a child killer….
This case, imo, screams of child abuse.
B, you go girl! The truth is what it is, and I pray regardless of how it will be perceived, you will follow your heart. These babies are your angels.
<3 <3 <3
Without words, we could not think.
Where are they,though? Where are the words to explain what happened here,
the words to clarify and amplify and, if only it was possible,
redeem this hideous inhumanity to man?
We must find them and use them in the most careful way possible.
Ask the first question and then the second. Question the answers.
As MLK said, ““Man’s inhumanity to man is not only perpetrated by the vitriolic actions of those who are bad. It is also perpetrated by the vitiating inaction of those who are good.”
As we take this hike with Blink through the brambles (ty, ma soeur) we clearly see the bad; the proactive-misguided, and the ‘inaction of those who are good’ yet care not for the victims outside the sphere of indifference.
The 500 pages has nothing on Blinksters. Tablets ready, pencils poised.
A fine sacrifice we willingly grant.
Looks like I’m going on a roller coaster ride.
I’ve read many pieces on this case, for years. I was so convinced of who the killer was. You knocked it out of the park, so…I’m back to open minded. No worries there….I’m more often wrong than right. I’m rather at home
Again, B, you’ve always had the truth guide you like the north star. I’m in neutral…our focus needs to be on the 3 babies who never got to grow up. They have my heart.
Love you friendy AND I believe in you. Hope you know this <3
….let the story unfold and the truth will reveal itself.
Big big love, my Blink friendies <3
PS…I still question Mr. Misskelly’s involvement. I’m afraid his IQ made him terribly vulnerable. No way he understands the seriousness of his predictament.
Dink Dent <—— you know I need to clarify. I hope you coined this one, B.
I think the reason so many want to believe in the innocence of the WM3 is because it’s hard to wrap one’s mind around the fact kids so young could be so brutal. How did they get to that point? Why be so evil and kill those 3 innocent boys??
What creeps me out most is how Misskelly appears to be enjoying the attention in court in a photo in your previous article. He is truly a deranged looking fellow. Echols has the appearance of the ring leader while Baldwin has the appearance of one who simply goes along to be cool. Of course, that is only based on appearance in their photos!!
I need to reread this 2nd posting. Was a lot in there I’d not seen before. I’d heard of the crime, but never really followed it at all. What a mess.
@ WG how eloquent Word Girl.
I have great fear only my words can tell the story of what happened and the “why” for different minds of mine.
I think I may have told the story of a brief biz trip I was obligated to attend the week after the Combine shootings.
I met a forensic psychiatrist specializing in adolescent treatment and neurological disorder diagnosis.
I felt like I met him just to ask him the question – what the hell happened to these kids to make them do such a thing? Where does that level of hate come from?
I was floored by his answer.
He said in my 15 years of practice, I have come to the conclusion that it is possible for a person to be born evil.
And when they are it is a crap shoot if all the factors align as to whether or not they realize that potential.
I was devastated at the thought. My daughter just started preschool and my son as 4 months and I thought htw am I ever going to let them go to school or out of my sight.
He said you have to be vigilant. Know everything there is to know about what is going on at school and friends. Pay attention to vandalism and petty crimes in your neighborhood and the like.
A true sociopath in his opinion is untreatable .
Sadly, in this work I have come to agree with him.
B
@Ragdoll
Ty and I hear you. If you are referring to Byers or Hobbs I will be discussion those allegations.
Ok, I reread. (Last night 11pm wasn’t the best time to try to absorb all that.) Leaves me without words. Evidence here is least as strong as what they had on Casey Anthony. But more people were aware of the teen’s movements. Casey had a plan which the WM3 really didn’t other than to pull this off.
If they ever let those young men out of jail, I have no doubt they were murder again. No doubt.
Also…Baldwin may look young and like a follower in the photo, but looks are deceiving with him I see. Anyone who reads this evidence cannot by any means dismiss their involvement.
@Ragdoll
I question the validity of Miskelley testing. While I agree he is likely in the somewhat lower developmental thresholds, that testing was taken to adjudicate the case to juvenile court.
As an example, he was found to be almost incapable of reading
In Paradise Lost he read a birthday card from his mother perfectly well after being incarcerated over a year.
I have my suspicions that this was planned to scare the boys and it went to far, but that is just my working theory.
His real name is Dennis Dent but nickname was Dink.
Thanks so much Blink!
I was very influenced by the documentaries – to the point I seriously considered donating to the defense fund. I also admit that I love Johnny Depp and that may be a subconscious part of it as well. I was strongly suspecting the stepfather based on the “evidence” I was exposed to. And Echols – now at least – has developed a personal that is (seemingly) normal and well-spoken and thoughtful, and he has a “normal” wife who totally believes in him. I have always thought that this was a miscarriage of justice in some way, based on the info that I had. Perhaps the trial is tainted and yet the verdict correct…
It’s a funny thing about FACTS – when there is a filter of some sort involved in disseminating them, the resulting conclusions are apt to be confused or downright wrong. And the veneer of celebrity will always draw attention, even when the perp is obviously a guilty psycho (like cop killer Abu-Jamal, for example, who enjoys of the support of many Hollywood liberals like Whoopi Goldberg and Alec Baldwin).
I can’t wait to read the rest of your analysis. I, like you and everyone else on this blog, just want justice for those sweet boys.
I just thought I would show you this article from a local tv station , Little Stevie Branch’s daddy spoke out finally,
(West Memphis, AR) — Steve Branch says he’s not one to chase down cameras. “I didn’t want to come out here and do this,” he told us during an interview Friday. “I didn’t see any other choice.”
Branch has remained relatively quiet since the end of the trials for the West Memphis Three: Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley and Jason Baldwin.
——————————————————————————–
Sign Up For ALERTS From Us
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He felt compelled to speak out now because of recent publicity in the case. “I’m here for the three eight-year-old boys that were tortured and murdered, one of which was my son, Little Steve,” he said.
Branch was convinced after the trials, and remains convinced today, that the right people are behind bars for the murders of Stevie Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore.
Part of his message Friday was meant specifically for the West Memphis Three. “Instead of begging them to let you out, you should be begging them to let you stay in there, because you don’t want to come back out here,” Branch said.
Branch was upset when he saw parts of a recent interview Johnny Depp did for an upcoming episode of 48 Hours Mystery . “To Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder and the rest of you celebrities trying to get in the spotlight by standing on my son’s shoulders, stop it. You should be ashamed of yourselves,” Branch said.
Branch is also disappointed with family members of the victims who are now supporting the West Memphis Three. “I say to the parents who are supporting their sons’ killers, to quote another son to his parent, ‘Why has thou forsaken me?’”
Copyright © 2011, WREG-TV
wreg-west-memphis-three-new-dad
Blink.
I’m so glad you are doing an in depth series about this case.
I know that you will dig deep and expose the TRUTH about the brutal murders of these three little boys.
NOT the Hollywood storyline.
The families of Michael Moore, Stevie Branch and Chris Byers deserve the truth to be told and I can’t think of a better advocate for them than you Ms B.
You had me hooked yesterday when I began reading, so glad the hyperlinks have been added today.
LOTS of info to pour thru.
In some ways this reminds me of the Mumia Abu-Jamal case … a convicted cop killer that a California teachers union and others are now claiming is a journalist and civil rights hero. (and they claim he deserves a THIRD trial).
Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel J. Faulkner was shot and killed back in 1981, and his poor widow Maureen Faulkner is still dealing with the outlandish claims from uninformed people defending Abu-Jamal – who really don’t have a clue about the FACTS of the case.
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/apr/17/faulkner-teachers-union-support-for-cop-killer/
I’m in the middle of finishing the packing for a 1700 mile move back home. (movers coming next week)
The fun part(?) should be me, my 6’5″ teenage son and 2 dogs making the long drive. lol
Reading your new series will give me plenty to do as we stop each night at a hotel.
Great article Blink! Your perspective is always refreshing…
One of the largest impediments I have always had about this case was the manner in which Lieutenant James Sudbury of the Memphis PD and Juvenile Officer Steve Jones arrived at the unsubstantiated belief that this crime appeared to be Satanic related shortly after the crime was committed. This belief, in turn, led Jones to the one person he thought was involved in such activities, Damian Echols. Now, not only did LE jump to one superficial conclusion about the crime, they jumped to a second conclusion based on the first assumption to arrive at one specific individual.
As your belief, Blink, is that this crime was in no way connected to a cult or an offering of sacrifice of any kind, as other experts have also indicated. The fact remains, this was the preliminary assumption by LE that led specifically to Echols.
In essence, the case against Echols began without an evidentiary core, the facts themselves did not initially lead to him, a series of initial, perhaps incorrect, assumptions did.
Initial reactions are incredibly powerful, sometimes evidence may be made to lean towards those reactions if one collective body is not entirely careful…
I think we have to be clear on one issue- I do not believe that this was a ritual killing, but I DO believe Damien et al was at least in his mind, practicing some sort of wicca whatever (technical term). I am the first to admit I am no expert on the different areas that entails, but it should be noted CHris Littrell and Divilbiss had a toddler removed from their mutual girlfriends home in ’99 because of their pagan lifestyle, and Littrell professed to have had Damien at some sort of gathering where they bound new members or words to that effect.
But to your point, I can’t say for sure if Jones was influenced by his serious belief that Damien was dangerous and was drawing on his mental databank of who would do this and that started the “profile”, or was it his interpretation of facts related to the wounds and the hogtie, the amount of victims pointing to there having to be multiple suspects and looking at it from that perspective? There was also fire evidence that they could not discern how old it was. There were multiple kids participating in this sort of thing, all on probation including Domini, Echols girlfriend, it could easily have gone- who are the bad kids capable of this that are top of mind.
In some case, as in Jerry Driver ( Damien PO as well) these guys drove them to hearings, and drove them to clinics or hospitals, they are somewhat of their GAL in terms of juvenile probation. My brother in law was in a private practice the state outsources to ( in cases where there are specialized needs of a juvenile offender) and he left that work because he could not stand how often kids in the program would lie and re-offend, etc. They are very hands on, and in this small community, you know how that goes.
I respect what your saying, but I don’t believe one can say there was no evidentiary core to suspicion from his own PO, who knew him, feared his escalations, and in my view, turned out to be right. If he had said, here are the 15 kids on probation as my short list, let’s go talk to them, I might be bothered by that if it had no factual basis and it was just a dragnet.
The other reality is, LE does that with RSO’s everytime there is a potential element of that or a mp case.
I guess my last comment would be that even if Steve Jones had an inkling, just talking to Damien as a result did not make him a suspect, Damien did. There is no doubt in my mind that Steve Jones was not stupid enough to give him details they did not even have yet. Damien knew things the investigators did not even know yet, and certainly not Steve Jones. More detail on that later.
B
Thank you Blink for the article. I have followed this case for a long time mainly because I grew up in Memphis and my Father had a dry cleaning plant just minutes from WMA. The area, even when I lived there from 1966 to 1980, was always referred to as dangerous. I guess the only reports or documents I have ever read have always been pro defense because that is mostly what you find on the internet when researching this case. After reading all the documents available it certainly appeared to me that the three boys were innocent. Your article contradicts and puts forth a more disturbing assessment of the three accused. But I still have a few lingering questions . . .
Misskelley: You stated that Misskelley took a polygraph and failed but all the sites out there following this case claim he passed. Is the truth of the evidence twisted to support the “Three”? If yes then that makes the claims by all involved out right lies.
What about his interrogation, reported to have lasted 5-10 hours but not a word was recorded and no written statement exists? Why not? Why was the only recording made of his confession, which was incorrect the first time about a couple of facts regarding evidence and time line in the case?
What about the Bojangles Restaurant suspect and the blood samples taken by police that were lost? The suspect was reported to be African-American, covered in mud and blood as he stumbled into the ladies restroom the evening before the boys were discovered. How do you loose blood samples of a suspect that could have been involved in a horrific murder of three little boys? A hair identified as belonging to an African-American male was later recovered from a sheet which was used to wrap one of the victims.
What about John Mark Byers knife that was found to have blood on it matching his and Chris’ blood type? Why was human blood on that knife at all?
What about Terry Hobbs DNA present at the scene as well as one of Terry’s friends DNA?
So many questions that I can’t wait for Blink to address. It should be a crime to report things as facts when they know they are just lies to make brutal killers seem innocent so the story will attract more money.
It’s hard to know what to believe and what to toss out as a lie in this case. What a mess the WMPD made of this investigation
****Please pray for the people injured here in Indianapolis at the stage collapse at the state fair Saturday . . . devastating.
Rubyrose, I will be addressing all of those issues, but Jesse Misskelley failed the polygraph, in fact, Durham’s notes read “lying his ass off”. Permission was granted by Jessie’s dad, they actually left the interview, took Jessie home and let him speak to him.
http://callahan.8k.com/images2/jm_polygraph.jpg
B
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/jm_ridge2.html
After your heads-up post that this story was coming, I briefly refreshed my memory about the case. I stumbled upon Damien’s “letters” that are posted regularly. Regardless of his guilt or innocence, they are some of the scariest things I have ever read. And now that I have read your summary of his “childhood,” his fond memories of youth seem even more delusional. As I’ve posted before, I am opposed to the death penalty for many many reasons. Perhaps now I include the additional “legs” it has brought to the defense support in this case.
Thank you, B, for enlightening me…again. I have to admit I’ve never watched Paradise Lost. I’m clueless on that project. I’ve read about this case from a couple sources and most of them emphasized Misskelly’s low IQ. (trutv.com is where I first read up on it).
Now of course I’m questioning everything I’ve ever read…BUT…that’s ok. I’m at the right place. No doubt there is an innocent slant and I was willing to buy into it. Terry Hobbs, to me, seemed like the likely perp. You got me there, B.
My only question is…why? A tearful, why.
Nothing but love and prayers to the families of Chris, Stevie and Michael.
Safe travels, Sammy!
Cat, Satanic cult or not, someone thought this young man might be capable of this crime. It matters not whether he was part of come cult or just a twisted individual with sadistic tendencies. The whole ‘cult’ thing has been popular since the Manson murders. The Jeffrey MacDonald Innocence team has jumped all over a “hippy cult” as the ‘real’ killers of his wife and children so it goes both ways. I don’t believe cops should have the right to go busting down doors and beating confessions out of people but I do feel like far to many guilty people are set free due to small unintentional errors when there is plenty of untainted evidence for a conviction. I say, punish the person who made the error, not the victims.
Bravo and thank you Blink for this first segment! This case has haunted me for many years. I can only imagine how overwhelming it has been for you to sort through the details in this case. I was glued to my computer reading (and re-reading) your piece on the case. I can not wait to see the next segments. I came across a couple of items that you may be interested in as well. I will post the links in case you may not have seen this information. Keep up the great work
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-West-Memphis-Three/111433178882803?sk=wall
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FWAJb7Xu_Q&feature=youtu.be
I am familiar with Soury- I am flabbergasted at how many details he blatantly either just made up, or is flat out uneducated in the facts of this case.
B
WOW Blink!!!!!
I’ve read and re read this… I can not wait for the additional parts. NO matter what, the truth needs to come to the surface about these little boys…. before anyone is let out of jail! I’ve been one to believe in the WM3′s innocence…. Can’t lie about that…..However, I was soley goin on the evidence made public. My dad has read the exact same material that i’ve read… and he believes whole heartedly in their guilt.
Not trying to jump the gun Blink, but will you be touching on the Bojangles incedent? Givin your opinion on that??
-Robbie
I will BAM, but briefly, you cant have a crime scene with no visible blood and a guy bleeding all over the place not leaving any DNA. That said, Bryn Ridge lost that evidence, no question.
B
(PS: do we need to boycott Dr. Phil???)
FmrWM3Supporter says:
August 15, 2011 at 7:32 pm
(snip for space)
Is their contact information for the author on here I cannot find?
I have some account information I would like to share.
are you reachable on your email?
~~~~~~~~~~~
@ FmrFM3 Supporter …
Welcome.
If you wish to reach Blink privately – but not have your message appear on the board …
Post your message here as normal – But, in THE FIRST LINE of your post be sure to type
***PRIVATE***
Blink will get your message that way – but your words will not be posted here for anyone else to read.
Very important to type a big ‘ol **PRIVATE** in the very TOP line of your post – so that Blink notices it as she moderates posts – your words will then be for her eyes only.
Thank you Sammy.
B
wow wow wow ,my gut feeling was guilty,one person couldn’t hold 3 boyscouts at bay,even with a gun ,i thought i was celebritycauseoutre ,and only scimmed the surface,kudos for blowing the lid off .
I read on a site and ask if you will touch on the topic of one boy being drugged. Some of the text I removed as it was even more graphic that what you put out here:
Excerpt:
“I have just watched the documentary Paradise Lost 2 and was interested in doing some research myself.I had caught something that may be nothing but I think it should be said.I have copied a paragraph from a site posted in 2004 that includes:”Christopher Byers sustained the most serious abuse. The autopsy would later discover dangerously high levels of the prescription drug carbamazepine in his blood. While he was also found in the water, he had not drown, but died from loss of blood.”
My finding are that in the documentary Mr.Byers had stated that he lost his teeth due to the taking of this medication listed among other excuses used.I figure that the mention of this drug may be acoincidence or a slip up on his part.I know that another man is being looked at right now with new DNA finding but I would not rule Mr.Byers out yet based on watching this man in this video and not to mention an instinct.
***************8
Is it true one or more of the boys were drugged?
Moi
No, that is a common error. Chris Byers was on a script for ADD/ADHD and it was found in sub-therapeutic levels. I cannot remember what idiot expert cannot read a tox report, but I want to say it was Brett Tarvey, who studied under Dr. Lee. He got the bitemark wrong, he got the drug level wrong, and he completely missed the damage to Steve Branch’s penis and called his scratches self-inflicted.
You guys are getting ahead of me, lol.
B
There is no doubt in my mind after re-reading the article that a single individual could not have totally controlled three eight year olds. There was more than one person involved.
It is only four or five miles from W. Memphis to the Road Runner Petro site on old highway 14/61 in Memphis. The Alderson roofing facilty being adjacent to the truck stop woud make it easy for someone to walk across the parking lot to the truck stop and purchase something that required a bag.
Did the medical people recognize that the marks shown in the photo were possibly bite marks?
The climbing axe consfiscated as evidence is just a little different from the one shown in the new axe photo. Is there a projection on the axe where the handle meets the pick/saw section? If so, this may account for the many sites of curved bite-like wounds found.
As I stated in the post yesterday I have ALWAYS believed these three to be guilty as sin. Its always aggravated me to see the numerous media outlets and personalities that scream how mistreated they were.
Their “supporters” completely ignore so many facts and that drives me insane!
@ ATG
The axe actually bows outward slightly on the side it is mounted to. It is hard to see that in the images. When I detail a bit more the analysis of the wounds I will show some close UPS
Just read the first 100 pages. Not taking evidence into consideration, there’s no doubt in my mind Damien Echols was capable of the killings. Mental assessments show a young boy with violent tendencies, extreme anger/rage, disrespect for authority and losing ability to process reality. No doubt his condition worsened as he got older. Initially diagnosed with dysthymia which eventually progressed to strong depressive, withdrawal and schizoid tendencies. Surprising, no signs of psychotic process.
So far, what I’m learning is that Damien was/is well versed. Fast forwarding to present, I’d say he knows how to talk as if he’s stable. There’s no way he is of sound mind now, unless he’s receiving treatment and medication while imprisoned.
Damien responded very well to hospitalization. He was frequently monitored, medicated and received regular cognitive therapy…he never refused treatment or being admitted. He did express a desire to receive help and to forgive those who wronged him. Re-entering society when he was stabalized was clearly not in his best interests. He’d relapse once treatment was stopped. His nemesis is reality itself.
Just my assessment. Although he had a well documented fascination with witchcraft and gothic dress, it appears to be more reflective of his state of lonliness and inability to establish/sustain meaningful relationships. The fact he almost removed an eye of a school mate in a state of rage makes him appear culpable.
AJMO. Hope to offer assessment of the next 100. I need to refamiliarize myself with the evidence and events.
You are astutely picking up on the dichotomy of his progress reports and treatment.
Echols filed his nails to points like a talon prior to that attack at school.
When I look at his post-conviction interviews and the writing, art and recent interviews, I feel like I am looking at a person wearing a mask, and he has a cell full of them at the ready to put on for all occasions.
I am hoping Grace in the Hills weighs in, if anyone sees her on another thread and I miss her, please nudge me, lol
B
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YES! The fingernails. The extremely filed pointy nails were noted (along with his completely black attire, intense coloured contacts and black hair) in different assessments. He was certainly trying to look the part. When confronted about his attacks, blood sucking, etc, he denied them. He dressed the part, acted the part but felt misunderstood and judged by his appearance and actions. He doesn’t seem to grasp there are consequences. He expressed he was singled out by police because he looked like a satanist. I agree with professionals that he struggles with basic social concepts.
It would be so easy to say Damien is masterful at mind games. In fact, I don’t see him being capable. The card tests revealed he is not able to perceive reality in a normal fashion. Average IQ, but needs to interpret reality to relate to his boding concepts of life. Good does not exist in Damien’s world. People are meant to be hurtful to each other.
He simply cannot grasp why he’s viewed as evil when, to him, it’s a normal expression of the world as he sees it.
“The INFAMOUS BR1
A plastic bag with the Road Runner Petro logo found at the scene containing inter alia ….”
———–
Blink, can you clarify this as I’m not getting it and am so wanting to. If you’ve already answered please disregard. Thanks
which part christy, I would be glad to.
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Blink…we’re never going to be “ahead of you”
You motivate us want to learn more, think for ourselves, and research which is good. Had you been a school teacher your kids would be top of the school.
Just googled the meaning of dichotomy. I still don’t get it. I believe I’ve been over credited
Moving on…..
lol
Don’t make me start using Jersey slang, lol.
His records and reports conflict all over the place, and his interviews belie some of the behaviors characterized.
B
Ah yes, grasshoppa slow but eager to learn. I can’t say I’ve experienced full on Jersey, but it sounds like a blasty.
Interesting. The written reports by Damien’s specialists don’t bring up possible deceit or manipulation. Was he able to fool his mental health experts, even at a young age? He admitted to seeing himself as being superior and highly intelligent.
Let’s just say the last interview I saw on tv had me thinking there was more to him then he was revealing.
Some do, some don’t, and such a disparity that one abruptly changed his diagnosis.
B