West Memphis Three: Damien Echols Jessie Miskelley and Jason Baldwin Released
Jonesboro, AR- In a statement released Thursday, new judge David N. Laser announced an unscheduled hearing in the case of The West Memphis Three.
Damien Echols, Charles “Jason” Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley have been incarcerated for 18 years for the murders of Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Chris Byers.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity to www.blinkoncrime.com, a source connected to the West Memphis Police Department has confirmed that Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin have already been released from the Arkansas Department of Corrections; Misskelley has not.
Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley, along with their families, and the families of the victims, are expected to attend today’s hearing.
Check back to www.blinkoncrime.com for this developing story.
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Thank you for posting the pictures of the victims. I was on the fence about wanting to see their faces only because I read your piece and it broke my heart what they must have went through. But they deserve to be seen and remembered. They are who its all about. Sadly there are no organizations raising money for their justice, no celebrities fighting for them. We’ll see how these two fare in the real world now. Time in jail usually doesn’t change someone for the better, no matter how many books one reads. What is happening with Misskelley?
Dunno yet, but he is definitely still in custody.
B
Misskelley not released. I’m surprised. I thought it would be Baldwin. Hard to watch the live stream you gave Blink. It is such a festive atmosphere…. no mention of the innocent victims Chris, Michael and little Steve.
I really dont understand the logic in letting Echols and Baldwin go, and yet keep Miskelly , You’d think they’d keep the one who masterminded the whole thing which was Echols.
Its been a long time since I followed this story so maybe I dont have recall of each of the wm3′s individual roles in this.
I don’t understand how Damien was released. He was the one sitting on death row!!! Honestly, I thought for sure when it was stated that 2 of the 3 were being released that meant he was not included. Very confused right now………
Lady justice weeps for us all…
what,misskelly seemed to have a soul ,this is bizarre.
The two released pled not guilty the one in custoday still pled guilty.Maybe thats the reason are they getting a nrw trial?
So the one that has an IQ of 72 is going to remain in jail? Did he not have access to the same lawyers? Is he being held for possibly giving a false confession or implicating the wrong persons what?
I am not understanding what is happening. I hope you will be able to explain what is happening Blink-, who knows perhaps we are all wrong- and this appearance is something completely different…
Doesnt make sense right now, I know that much.
AJMO
I know that vinelink is showing 2 different status on Miskelly, and that is about all that I am certain of at the moment.
B
live coverage :
http://www.wmctv.com/category/196691/action-news-5-live-video-coverage
Michael Byers dad was claiming Terry Hobbs did it , and claimed the other parents were out for money
I am still speechless, confused and need a barf bag.
Are they handling this in the same “order” as the trial? Meaning because both Damien and Jason were tried together they get released together; Jesse will be released separately.
I only say this because CNN and MSN are reporting that all three will be released.
Wow. Just, wow.
I am hearing that now as well.
B
Reading some blogs an articles on there release,No new trial aparently they will enter Alford pleas an be released as haveing served there time.
This may be a stupid question but, Blink what is your take on the quality of “public” photos (evidence and crime scene) that are available at callahan’s site? I just thought it was odd that many evidence photos were polaroid photos or low resolution photos. I would think that detectives would use a 35mm camera for things like this. I also found it disturbing as you mentioned in your piece earlier to see a detective standing in the water where the bodies were found.
Please don’t forget, there IS a final Judge in this matter. He cannot be swayed and already knows every facet of this crime and can see the hearts of those involved. Justice will come, just maybe not in this life.
I find it interesting that many of the people on twitter that are excited about the WM3 being released were either not born yet or were toddlers when this horrible crime happened. Guess when you have celebrities supporting their release, the followers will follow without having any facts to support it.
This sickens me!
The carnival atmosphere disturbs me. According to Natalie Maines twitter all 3 will be set free. Let us not forget those 3 poor little boys.
“10.OhioSheryl says:
August 19, 2011 at 10:33 am
I am still speechless, confused and need a barf bag”
You and me both. I am so embarassed that people are celebrating.
We @ Blink are thinking of you Stevie, Michael and Chris.
Very surprised that Damien and Jason were released and that Misskelley is still in jail.
I guess once again having celebrity pull and coverage helps…without it these guys would still be in jail ..and so would Casey A. The next time the press want to make celebrities out of murderers I think they should be released into their care..they might think twice before giving them money and putting their parents, like the A’s on the tv circuit.
They are all out now.
B
Blink…. I’ve been a long time reader, but have never commented until now. I love your site & the work you do for the victims.
I really hope you will post part 2 & 3 of your WM3 story as I would really like to read it. I was sitting on the fence about many things until I read part 1. I feel I need the conclusion.
Thanks for what you do.
I have to say I’m having a hard time with this. I love your site Blink and you have helped many people that need justice and I always cheer for you. Why I’m having a hard time with this is I’ve seen the documentaries and have followed the case for some time now. I’ve felt that justice would be served when the WM3 were released from jail. I think you should continue with your series because I’m curious about details thst are making me think twice about this case. Thanks for all your hard work.
There is actually too much news breaking in this case right now. CNN is reporting that new DNA evidence excludes them as the killers and that is the reason for the release (http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/08/19/arkansas.child.killings/index.html?hpt=hp_t1) while other agencies are indicating that two if not three have admitted their guilt and the deal represents time served. I am actually doing to have to stop reading and watching the coverage until Blink gives me the full story. If they finally acknowledge guilt I can’t imagine they’d simply be set free.
Blink is it just me or has everyones live links gone down?
Has it been canceled?
Does anyone have a working link?
I am speechless! (which rarely happens…my nickname as a child was “mouth”) I still hope Blink publishes the rest of this series. At least we get an idea of the “new” justice system in our country. Was the c-word just the beginning of how dangerous it’s going to be for our children? Also, off topic, I would love to hear Blink’s take on the Darlie Routier case. I highly admire your investigative work on cases.
All 3 are being released as I type this, theyre being processed out of prison.
They (state) believed because of possible jury misconduct and new dna evidence, that they would either be exonerated or, that they would only get second degree , as it stands they have a 10 year suspened sentence , plus they will always be considered convicted murderers , they HAD to plead guilty .
13.cartfly says:
August 19, 2011 at 10:57 am
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I haven’t had a chance to go through the photos as of yet. I am only part way through the trial docs on Jesse. One thing that has me curious is how the police went on and on about the “beach” area closest to where they found Michael; that it was clear of any leaves/debris and that the grass was mud splattered. No mention of any photos of this area. WERE there any taken? I would think that if the area in question was significantly cleared of debris they would document it with photos. Can’t wait to get home tonight so I can start looking at what photos are on Callahan’s site.
I really don’t know what to make of any of this; I can’t say one way or the other since I am just now catching up on this case. It’s scary if these three did in fact do the deed(s)…but it’s even scarier if they truly are innocent. That means that for 18 years the killer(s) have walked among us. I just don’t know!!!
I will continue to read up on Callahan’s site and here should Blink decide to complete her series. Then, and only then, can I (possibly) make an informed decision for myself.
Rest in peace Michael, Chris and Stevie!
33PM: All three men are free to leave Arkansas. They aren’t under any travel restrictions.
12:31PM: Damien says Lori spends all her waking time on this case. Happy to be free with his wife by his side.
12:29PM: Attorney says the fact that all three men are out of jail proves they aren’t guilty. “Does anyone think if the state thought they were guilty they would be sitting here today?”
12:27PM: “Can you point the authorities in the right direction, towards the right person?” they all say they don’t know anything.
12:26PM: Attorney: I’m so proud to represent Jason.
12:23PM: “Damien, how are you feeling,,” reporter asks. “Very much in shock.”
12:19PM: Someomne from a table at the front of the room just said the WM3 deserved a round of applause. Different people started clapping and yelling, most of it seemed to come from the dozen or so people surrounding the table where Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley, Jr., are seated.
12:16PM: All three men and their attorneys just entered the room.
12:07PM: Defense team just handed out four page official statement.
12:04PM: Prosecutor says Judge Laser was likely going to grant new trials and it’s very likely the WM3 would have either been found not guilty or wouldn’t be found guilty of capital murder.
He says that deaths of witnesses, stale evidence and new DNA techniques would have made trial difficult for state.
12:02PM: Prosecutor says he believes the WM3 defendants are the ones who murdered the victims. He says that while the case is closed and they’re not looking for anyone else, the state can file new charges if a new suspect is developed.
12:00PM: Guilty plea means that the WM3 will not be able to sue the state.
11:58AM: “This is not an offer that the (victims’) families had to accept. They did not have veto power.” – prosecutor
11:56AM: The defense team approached the Attorney General’s Office with the idea of today’s plea deal.
11:53AM: Prosecutor: “I never entertained a deal that would overturn guilty verdicts.”
All men can go free, but if they break the law could be sentenced to 21 additional years.
“They’ll be free men when they walk down here,” said prosecutor.
11:51AM: All three men entered guilty pleas. Proecutor says he thinks the men would’ve received new trials, but after so much time it would be hard to get fair trials.
11:49AM: The hearing is over.
11:41AM: We’re waiting on the news conference to begin and to see how many people will be allowed in the room. Action News 5 has a producer, photographer and me already inside, plus Janice Broach in t he courtroom and Anna Marie Hartman outside.
11:36AM: A sheriff’s deputy is walking through the media gathered in the basement and checking ID’s. There were some very nervous looking reporters for a few moments.
11:32AM: HBO has a crew here. They’re in Jonesboro working on the third installment of Paradise Lost according to a press release we received earlier today.
Here’s part of the release:
Set to premiere on HBO in January 2012, PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY revisits the case of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley, who were incarcerated for the 1993 “West Memphis Three” child murders, which they maintain they did not commit. The film will have its theatrical premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival with a number of prestigious festival dates to follow this Fall. This film tells the entire story from arrests in 1993, the growing movement to the entire appeals process, uncovering new evidence and, now their release.
11:30AM: Uh oh. The fire marshall just walked in. He’s looking at the evacuation plans for the room. Looks like they’re going to be very strict about the number of people allowed in.
11:24AM: The media is starting to gather in the court building’s basement ahead of the planned news conference. There aren’t many people in the room yet, but that will change shortly.
11:08AM: Before the start of the public hearing, a large group of people filed out of the court building. They beleived they were going to be allowed into the hearing, but said they were turned away by the fire marshall.
Kody Bradshaw and Judy Thompson drove about three and a half hours from Gurdon, AR, to Jonesboro.
“We didn’t get any sleep last night,” Thompson said.
They arrived at the courthouse at 5AM, and were turned away from the door only minutes before the hearing was set to start.
“It’s okay,” said Bradshaw. “If this thing goes the way we think it will, it’s okay.”
11:01AM: Janice Broach is oneo f 18 reporters inside the public hearing. The WM3′s publicist told us that all three men will participate in a press conference after the hearing.
10:55AM: Mitchell Eaton should be atttending class at Harrisburg High School, but instead he’s standing outside in the rain in Jonesboro.
“I had to take out today,” the senior said.
Eaton became interested in the WM3 case after hearing his parents talk about the case around the dinner table one night.
“It’s preety much become an obsession with me,” he said. “They’ve been in jail longer than I’ve been alive. It’s hard to conceive something like that”
10:41AM: There are dozens of people milling around outside the court building. The vast majority are supporters of the men whose fate will be decided in court today. However, some people are here just for the spectacle. Nugene Bell, of Jonesboro, said while he thinks the men should be set free, he really came to watch the spectacle.
10:19AM: Damien Echols’ mother says the hearing and the posiibilty her son may be released is “remarkable.” Steve Branch, a father of one of the victims shook his head and said “No comment” when asked what he would like to say to Damien.
10:13AM: John Mark Byers, the father of one of the young victims, just gave a lengthy, impromptu news conference outside the court building.
9:55AM: Media from across the country have descended on Jonesboro for today’s hearing. However, only a small pool of reporters will actually be allowed in. People are filing into the courtroom now, and it is clear that many, many people will be turned away.
Action News 5′s Janice Broach will be in the courtroom. Because we can not take the hearing “live” on-air and on our internet stream, we will broadcast it and stream a recording of it as soon as it is available.
9:12AM: We’re told the West Memphis 3 has already entered the courthouse in Jonesboro. Apparently, they were able to go in through a rear entrance and dodge most cameras surrounding the building.
Check back throughout the day, and refresh this page for updates.
Copyright 2011 WMC-TV. All rights reserved.
Devastating news. Let’s continue to speak for the Innocents.
LL44–I’m glad you spoke up. I had a feeling you were out there.
Thank you. I agree that I would like to read more of what Blink
found, but perhaps that will need to wait until we have any future proceedings.
America, land of the Free. Who plead guilty.
“…agreed to a legal maneuver that lets them maintain their innocence while acknowledging prosecutors have enough evidence against them.” I thought they had to plead guilty?
W-T-F??????????????? “In upholding Echols’ conviction in 1996, the state Supreme Court noted that two people testified Echols bragged about the killings, an eyewitness put Echols at the scene, fibers similar to the boys’ clothing were found in Echols’ home, a knife was found in a pond behind Baldwin’s home, Echols’ interest in the occult and his telling police that he understood the boys had been mutilated before officers had released such details.”
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/plea-deal-sets-imprisoned-men-free-in-13-memphis-3-murder-case/#ixzz1VV3casvj
No travel restrictions. So the West Memphis 3 could be coming to a neighborhood near any of us. Keep your pets close and your children closer is all I can say.
Disgusting…totally disgusting. We have no justice system in America anymore.
25.Valley Girl says:
August 19, 2011 at 12:38 pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, I read the rest of the questioning of Officer Ridge; there were photos of the “beach” area taken. Will have to check them out later. Not much will be done (as far as cleaning, etc.) at my house this weekend!!! Will be burning the midnight oil trying to get caught up on all of this….
Please Blink continue your coverage – we must, especially now know the TRUTH.
these three young men did NOT kill the three boys. that has been very well documented. just as a miscarriage of justice occurred with the C word, so did a miscarriage occur with the West Memphis Three. It is very sad that the three boys died such horrific deaths, but calling for the lynching of WM3 is out of line. have none of you seen the movies about this trial? read any of the evidence? i’m shocked — i generally find you all to be very reasonable and to hear damien echols referred to as a “ringleader” is just abhorrent. do your research! not everybody who is convicted is guilty, just as not everyone who is “not guilty” is innocent.
Nobody called for anyone to be “lynched” here at any time.
I invite you to read my work on this case, which I can assure you is obsessively thorough.
B
Phyllis, this is not unique to America. In some countries convicted murderers are eligible for parole after some number of years regardless of their crime. I’ve heard of that number being as low as 15 years for murder. I’ve also read of people getting sentenced to multiple hundreds of years who would still be eligible for parole after 25. I have no idea who came up with the idea of concurrent sentences. The whole idea is like playing monopoly prison time.
In this case it was like “Let’s Make a Deal .
Moi says:
August 19, 2011 at 10:58 am
Please don’t forget, there IS a final Judge in this matter. He cannot be swayed and already knows every facet of this crime and can see the hearts of those involved. Justice will come, just maybe not in this life.
~~~~~~~~~~
@ Moi …
Thank you for your above wise sentiments and words.
Truer words can not be spoken, and it gives some comfort on such a sad day as this.
I have tears running down my cheeks as I look at the faces of little Stevie Brown, Chris Byers, and Michael Moore.
Sweet innocent little boys who never had the chance … to ride their bikes again, hang out with their buddies, go to their high school prom, fall in love for the first time, meet their soul mates and have babies of their own.
Their little faces haunt me.
I have a lurch in my gut whenever I look at the picture of Michael Moore – because he looks just like the best bud of my son when he was that age.
@ Blink …
Thank you for making sure that the pictures of the INNOCENT VICTIMS accompanied this article.
I hope that when the time is right, you will publish the remaining installments in this series.
I really need to read the rest of your work on this.
None of this makes sense.
I feel lost … on the receiving end of another sucker punch when thinking that justice might be had for innocent victims.
What has happened to our justice system?
The fiasco in Orlando in July, and now just weeks later – these 3 walk free.
God help us.
Just wait until Lori K. (Echol’s wife) spends time with him. She will soon find out that her luvah man is a evil monster! His kind does not change! Hope she doesn’t have pets!
I have to say I found the difference in their body language toward each other- um, odd.
B
Had I known 15 years ago what the world would be like today, I would have never had children. It scares me to think about what my daughter will witness within her life and the life of her children (if she chooses to have children). The decline in ethics and morals and basic personal security is sickening. I sometimes just scan the headlines and shake my head wondering how in the world we got here and how in the world will it ever get any better….
Blink as many others have stated, I too would be interested in reading the rest of what you have to say about this case. Thanks for all that you do.
Tarheel,
Please do not ever wish you didn’t have children because of the state of the world. YOUR kids may be the ones who are proactive in bringing about all kinds of positive change. The only way this world will ever get better is by raising our children properly with love and respect (and healthy boundaries). So long as you educate them of what is out there and how to avoid the pitfalls and handle the problems without “losing it” per se, they should be fine. I’m sure you family will be OK
“I have to say I found the difference in their body language toward each other- um, odd.
B”
I have to say, I wasn’t looking for it, but I noticed it too.
Damian and Lorri didnt act like a couple in love on the brink of being united, I kind of expected at least handholding in a supportive kind of way to have gone on but it was more like two old friends .
I have to say I found the difference in their body language toward each other- um, odd.
B
Lol….that’s because he really isn’t into grown women.
Blink re: the body language between Echols and his wife. He was stone cold. Even partially turned away from her while she sat next to him. If he looked her in the eye I missed it. She smiled at him with her hand on him the entire time and even tried to fix his hair after they stood up. Yet…when they were walking away he didn’t even hug her or try to touch her back, but DID go hug someone else who I believe was Vetter.
You know…he’s been in prison without a woman how many years? Wouldn’t most men be all over their wife or girlfriend? He seemed completely detached as if she was not there or he didn’t want her there. Very strange indeed.
I have watched the press conf now several times. Pay careful attention to when Damien thanks Jason, and they hug over Miskelley, and the body language following.
I guess Jessie got over the head hanging thing from his retardation training. *snark warning*
wow
B
My observation of Damian outside of Lorri was he just looked coldly arrogant,
I noticed Chris Byars Dad and Steve Branch had some words coming out of the courtroom as it ending,ohhh to have been a fly on the wall for that, I am temporarily deaf due to waiting for a part for my cochlear implant to come back so I only know what I observed visually, I sure miss hearing.
Carol- Mr. Branch was escorted from the hearing earlier, when he openly rebuked Judge Laser for accepting the plea.
B
Angellica says:
August 19, 2011 at 11:55 am
I am speechless! (which rarely happens…my nickname as a child was “mouth”) I still hope Blink publishes the rest of this series. At least we get an idea of the “new” justice system in our country. Was the c-word just the beginning of how dangerous it’s going to be for our children? Also, off topic, I would love to hear Blink’s take on the Darlie Routier case. I highly admire your investigative work on cases.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow, Darlie has been a huge conflict for me. She’s well known in my parts, and I too would love Blink’s thoughts. Most folks I know think she’s guilty. IJDK yet…
I’m torn in this case as well. Those boys were so precious. I just cannot fathom these kinds of crimes. I’m going to have to do lots of research on this one.
Maybe it’s just me, but the timing of Blink’s piece coming out and the release of the WM3 is just plain eerie.
Ya think?
And happens IN ADVANCE of Judge Laser’s ruling on the misconduct.
B
Thank You Blink ,(Carol- Mr. Branch was escorted from the hearing earlier, when he openly rebuked Judge Laser for accepting the plea.
B)I’m hoping tonights newscast will fill in the parts I missed out on ,usually they caption the news pretty well here in Memphis.
Blink,
I have been reading/lurking your site for many moons but this is my first post.
First, thank you so very much for your voice and amazing work on behalf of these beautiful boys and all of the other victims for which you advocate.
Please, please post the rest of your series on the WM3. I think your analysis and opinions on this case are needed now more than ever. The implications flying around out there that the 3 were released due to their “innocence” makes me gag!
I was one of the many that was swayed and left wondering after seeing a television special on the defendants. But this week, after reviewing everything I could get my hands on, I was speechless. This was certainly no railroad!
STEVIE, MICHAEL and CHRIS – we will not forget!
-snipped-
I have to say I found the difference in their body language toward each other- um, odd.
B
B, you hit MY bullseye. He was clearly turned away from her, his right arm up as if to block her out completely. No acknowledgement of any kind.
I don’t know if they’re guilty or innocent. Why such a hasty decision to release rather than retry this case? What about the truth and finding out who killed these boys? If WM3 innocent but pled guilty, does that mean we can assume a search for a killer will take place?
This move completely shuts this case down. No justice, period.