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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We may never know for certain if these guys are guilty of this hideous crime. But one thing is for sure, after spending so many years in prison, their lives are altered forever. Unless they change their identities and move to another area, there is going to be a very large cloud hanging over them and people will always wonder about their involvement. All of which sucks if they are innocent. On the other hand, it does appear that this plea deal and their release is the result of some manueverings on the part of their legal team…like they were released because of mistakes made by LE. None of which points to actual “innocence”. Again, they will never have normal lives after this.
Has anyone read the interviews with Arron Hutchinson??????? i dont know what to say or think this is crazy…. Blink what do you think of his statements/ interviews… he seemed to waiver or be inconsistent, but as young as he is and the trauma he endured i am unsure how to feel….
so sad that this has been more about the killers/ accused than the lost
I think this child was in need of intervention, and I also think he had a level of knowledge, but I do not where he acquired it.
B
WMCtv is reporting that the WM3 had lunch with Vedders and Main at the Madison Hotel downtown .
They’re gettting star treatment already, apparently pleading guilty doesnt keep them from writing books and participating in movie deals.
Glad most noticed the difference in actions between Echols and his wife. She was almost giidy, so happy to see him. It was like he pulled and turned away. Not the reaction I would want from someone after I worked my a$$ off to get him released from death row.
Ragdoll
We may not get what we think is justice for Stevie, Michael and Chris at this point in time. It will happen.
I am going to predict that each of those released today will commit another crime and be sent back to prison.
lisainbama
Now you have witnessed how television or a movie can be made to skew the facts and truth. It takes a good dose of skeptcism to question what one sees in these entertainment/propaganda pieces.
Al
You are so right. I have an uncle who shot his wife, and killed her, in the door of her place of employment. Their daughter was right behind her. He served 10 years in prison. That’s all 10 years!
That was 45 years ago. It hasn’t changed much has it!
“Alford Plea” — a “guilty” plea where the defendants still assert their innocence, despite evidence to the contrary. (TMZ)
Seriously.
As far as letting these guys walk rather than facing another trial may be partly due to what happened with cases such as O.J.’s and Casey Anthony’s (along with others I have in mind). There was a shred of doubt brought in by the defence even though common screamed their clients were the only persons who could have been responsible or had motive to do so. Being presented as it was there was no way the prosecution could give 100% proof otherwise. (How some of these defense attorneys life with themselves is beyond me.)
The retrial would have been $$$$$…and seeing Casey and O.J. walk with enough circumstantial evidence to see most burned at the stake in the dark ages….I’m thinking prosecution feared the 3 would walk regardless. JMO. So let them walk with the plea and at least they must behave for 10 yrs probation instead of a free pass going forward.
What sickens me is the 3 are stating they pled guilty because it was their only choice to get out of prison. So, their supports can all smile and say “we told you so”.
These 3 individuals have had years to refine their words and excuses and how to act/speak if released. Also, time is on their side as far as the crime no longer being fresh in the public eye. That way the anger of the REAL crime here is only in the hearts of a small percentage of what it was
Wonder how long before Echols acts out with the wife? I say this because she is already trying to coddle him per se and I’m thinking he won’t like it much (her fixing his hair in court)…he never did like being told what to do or follow rules. After being forced to do so in jail 18 yrs. I’m guessing he is going to like it even less. She will have to become a stepford wife…or take the consequenses. I do not believe they will be married long.
Moi- I need to just advise you that you may not change your hat here, without approval. It is my thing.
I pride myself on contributors and posters having one hat for integrity purposes.
Thanks
B
What is the legal precedent for their release? I am absolutely flabbergasted by this turn of events. I was looking forward to your research, Blink and had been catching up on previous information. What the (blank) happened?
Shalom,Sharai
PS: I am in agreement with those who have asked for you to continue to post your research. Please do.
http://definitions.uslegal.com/a/alford-plea/
that is the
basis , the hows and whys might be different in the WM3 case.
Some observations:
1. Baldwin’s lawyer comparing Baldwin accepting the plea deal to save Icky’s life to “Sophie’s Choice”….Now isn’t that just Hollywood for it and to me, laughable to say the least.
2. Echol’s whining about not being used to all the people because he’s been in solitary confinement for the last 18 years…. as opposed to Chris Byers, Michael Moore and Steve Branch being dead for the last 18 years and 6 feet under. No sympathy from me for Icky.
3. The fact that when asked by press for information that could lead to Chris’s, Michael’s and Steve’s killer, Misskelley’s head and eyes drop straight to the floor…. looked guilty as hell to me and he’s got some sort of weird tattoo on his head – a halo of sorts perhaps and he doesn’t act a bit retarded. He’s very jumpy. Echols also avoiding eye contact and just looks creepy as all get out.
As I observed earlier, I watched that press conf several times. I think Baldwin left because of discomfort with Miskelley, imo.
If Miskelley had a great PR rep….
B
Blink,
I send you an article about how the sheriff who discovered Michael, Chris and Stevies bodies, his reaction to the release of Echols, Baldwin, and Miskelly.
Do with this as you wish, if you deem it helpful to understanding.
Whoops copy n paste didnt work that time :
Related
West Memphis 3: All Three Free After Plea Deal
West Memphis Three: How We Got To Today
West Memphis 3: Media Attention
Photos
Photos: West Memphis 3
Video
RAW: Steven Branch Father of Victim Stevie Branch
West Memphis 3
Topics
Juvenile Delinquency
Crimes
Murder
Adam Hammond
5:51 p.m. CDT, August 19, 2011
FAST FACTS:
Sheriff Mike Allen found the young boys bodies in 1993
Allen is distraught over the decision to release the Memphis Three
He believes they killed the boys
(West Memphis, AR 8/19/2011)
This case has people all over the world talking, but one unique perspective comes from Crittenden County Sheriff Mike Allen.
Back when the murder occurred, he was an investigator with the West Memphis PD and pulled the bodies of the three young boys from the creek in 1993.
The emotion and pain from that day came flooding back today as three men he believes killed them, were set free.
——————————————————————————–
Sign Up For ALERTS From Us
——————————————————————————–
Sheriff Allen says he hasn’t been able to talk for the last 18 years, but now the gag has been lifted.
“Let’s go back to 1993 about 1:45 when I discovered the first body in the ditch. Ok? I was the one who was got down in the water and lifted my leg and watched a body float to the top of the water.”
Allen believes, without a shadow of a doubt, a knife belonging to Echols was the murder weapon. Allen says if there had been another trial it would have come out.
“On one of the boy’s legs there were some marks that were one on one consistent with this blade on the knife,” said Allen.
He says a media and celebrity blitz over the past 18 years, not a botched investigation by police, has completely confused and mislead the public into believing they are innocent.
“You can talk a group of people into believing any damn thing… and I think that’s what happened here,” said the Sheriff.
The Sheriff say he’s carried the weight of this case on his shoulders and thought about the three victims every day since 1993.
“When I lay my head on my pillow at night, do I think the killers are Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jesse Misskelley? Yes I do.”
Earlier today, in a press conference, the prosecuting attorney said he talked the Alfred Plea over with several key players including Sheriff Allen to get their approval. Allen says that’s not true.
Allen says it had already been decided when he found out.
Sheriff Allen, Captain Ridge and Gary Gitchell, never consulted, nor were any of the victims families.
B
[...] screw ups, but there was also more than what the WM3 and their mouth pieces are saying. More at Blink on Crime including the previous investigative work regarding the murder case of the West Memphis Three, HERE [...]
i am done with blink on crime. for the record, the lynching i spoke of was metaphorical.
y’all aren’t really about justice.
Oh dear Blink. I am not changing my hat ahd ask absolute forgiveness if I misled my intentions. All I meant to say is that possibly the reason for no trial was the fear of the prosecution these 3 would walk scott free. I admire your work and the work of those who diligently tried to bring evidence and fact forward. I fear I again (as I am so good at doing) poorly describied what I was feeling. All I meant to way was the prosecution feared another O.J. or Casey Anthony type verdict. I am as unhappy as anyone who cares for justice at the outcome of this. But as my lie detector was 100% incorrect, my meaning is misjudged. Maybe this is meant to be because it shows me I best not try to reveal my feelings.
By they way…I stopped posting here under a differnt name several years ago over being misjudged. It IS strange that in a case I totally agree with you on you misjudge me. Why? I feel the same as the father who wrote, why do you forsake me? for his son. Why do you for sake a faithful blogger who agrees?
I was new to this case- so I am unaware of all the evidence that put these 3 in prison and Blink has not posted all of her research so I am unaware of the reasons she now believes these 3 are guilty of the murders of the little children, Michael, Steven, and Christopher, after at first having her own doubts.
Without seeing the trial, or reading/seeing/ hearing all the evidence, ect I can not make a determination one way or another on their guilt or innocence- I respect Blink and her work and I value her opinions- but without hearing/reading/seeing Blinks full analysis, I do not know why she has come to believe what she believes.
Blink was asked to look into this case, so she did. She looked at a great many things- we have only seen a fraction of her work- and she is going to publish the rest of her findings/opinions.
She asked us, in her remarks on the first thread- to give her our feedback- and help her to see things she may have missed or point out things we see ect– as always, to bring our insights and experiences to the table- for the victims and their families -to get to the unbiased truth-as close as we are able.
“This is a teaching/learning blog”
I have been here on BOC for awhile now, and I have seen Blink acknowledge that she is human and she makes mistakes, and I have seen her accept criticism, aid, tips, research ect from her readers- in fact, she demands nothing less-
She once wrote (PP)-that to be married to a theory or a thought and to be unwilling to change that theory or thought, even when given reason to, does not help a victim or their family or justice.
I have seen her change her theory of a case and I have seen her ask part of her team to divorce themselves from a case, when it became apparent that they were stuck seeing things their way- despite all evidence to the contrary.
Blinks coverage of this case was /is going to lay out her findings point by point. Her first installment gave us much to think about, and several pieces of evidence which she believes point to the WM3′s
guilt.
She isnt finished yet- so I am unsure why so many are certain of these men’s undoubtable guilt.
I realize that some of you have been following this case for years- but most of you, like Blink, were unsure of their guilt- some wavering back and forth from one side or the other based upon the polices handling of this case, on new information, evidence or misinformation or propaganda or depending upon- which site you happened to click on ect.
I am unsure why so many seem now, to be positive they did it, and that it is a travesty of justice to let them go free- before Blink has even laid out why she believes what she does.
Blink herself has not made all of her research ect known. I know she would expect more from us then to just blindly decide the guilt or innocence or anyone-without fully educating ourselves on every known fact and researching even more- and then weighing her analysis ect.
I realize that this post may not be a popular one, but I feel I would be doing a disservice to Blink, and to all of the BOC contributors- that I have come to value and respect for their advocacy, analytical abilities and pursuit of justice-if I did not voice my thoughts.
Maybe I just havent reached the point in my research ect that many of you seem to have reached- perhaps I am stuck at the wavering stage- all i know for certain right now is that I do not know enough to decide guilt or innocence.
—
Again respectfully submitted- and with the utmost respect and caring for the true victims -Steven, Michael, Christopher and their parents.
Ps- No offense intended to you, Blink nor to Boc- AJMO
BTW I agree that without a trial there will never be justice, and that means IMO that most will be left with doubts.
@moi
That is not accurate. However, I have no issue if you wish to change your hat. I pledge integrity of posters here. I hold everyone to that standard. I simply request that you let me know in.advance. No.harm no foul.
b
@Mom 3.0
You could never offend me. This case turned on it’s head in the middle. Even I was not prepared for what this work would yield here.
I intend to present my findings/ analysis and I don’t suspect anyone will feel there is resolution OR absolution (yep a subheading).
Everything you said is 100% accurate. We are the sum of our parts and if I am the smartest person in the room we have problems , lol.
It is also alright if we all don’t dock at the same port but enjoy the same island.
I have no idea what is with me and the metaphors today.
Except I do. My heart aches for the wee-men. I am going to need more shelves in my office.
Heart u
B
@moi, “hat” is your screen name. Seems like there may have been some confusion if I’m reading correctly. Blink, I look forward to your add’l installments. This is a disturbing case.
Wow mellaril. Just because we don’t agree with you, “we don’t want justice”? That’s not fair. Over the years I have read a lot on this case. Most was about freeing the west memphis 3. I was thrilled to learn that Blink was going to take a look at the case because i knew she would look at it unbiased. If biased at all, she wanted to on team Depp and Vedder. It is refreshing to hear ALL of the evidence and be able to come to my own conclusions, not just a one-sided opinion. A writer can skew the facts or only presnt what is relevant to their view of the case. So, no this website is more about truth and justice than most. However, if you like reading sites that only give one point of view, that is your perogative. Me, I will stay here where I get facts….ALL the facts. Thanks!
Please pay attention to all of the WM3 supporters and where they get their information. I have been on several social media websites trying to explain to them that Paradise Lost is NOT an unbiased source and that they should go look at the actual files available. Seriously, they all quote info from that piece of crap documentary or base their decisions on what Depp, Maines and Vedder are spewing. Honestly, if I have to hear one more time about how Damien Echols was convicted just because he was “different” I’m going to puke. They know NOTHING about his violent past or courtroom behavior towards the victims parents. It really is sickening how little people really know the facts!!!
In the deposition in the suit against her brought by Hobbs, she openly she admitted that she knows very little of the facts of the case. That surprised me.
B
mom 3.0,it is interesting to me that this case came up all of sudden on boc ,as in morgan harrington’s case,i think that people were quick to rise to the occasion that just because she was wearing all black and attending a metallica concert ,that didnt mean she was a runaway ,troubled youth or someone who the police should care “less” about finding ,AND as well as the west memphis three should not be considered guilty of a murder in a small town because of the music they listen to or the way they dress.that has been the public misconception and something most artists can relate to , BUT,i recently (before blink’s wm3 article) watched the amanda knox movie ,at the insistence of a friend, sometime during watching it, out of the blue ,i said ,”see thats the thing with the wm3,why did they confess ,if they didnt do it?” ,ok ,the suppoters say coerced,due to low intelligence(misskelly),there are plenty of people with low iq ,they dont confess to a murder they didnt do,and one of the others bragged about it too,why would you brag about committing a murder,you didnt do? the suppoters say “oh young stupid kid behavior”,well i am sorry but i think its pretty bizarre to confess and brag about a murder,who acts like that? hence the tie-in with amanda knox ,who acts like that (and i am not talking about the movie,interestingly propagandized toward quilt,i immmediately researched for corrections),even though i do think she’s quilty of something ,and once again definately lying, implicating an innocent person,by name,wth ,whats wrong with the truth,? i never for a second had a gut feeling they might be quilty because of the way they dressed or what music they listened to, it was because they confessed and bragged .when blink’s article came up with the mountain climbing ice axe ,and the documentation that a murder weapon had not been presented at trial ,yet statements and pictures were taken of the m.c.i.a. nothing was presented in trial that matched the wounds ,the knife in jasons back yard lake ,was not a match ,it was debated whether they were bitemarks or not ,and it was said “even if they were they didnt match anyones teeth”,(albeit)jmbyers,father of christopher allegedly had his teeth removed.the ice axe matches the wounds & was traded as “a weapon” along with a knife.i am sure there are lots of kids in the troubled category that trade shirts for weapons ,doesnt mean they use them as a weapon. i dont think (at this point)echols killed anyone that day,accessory ,yes ,jason refused to testify against echols,picture him testifying against echols if echols wasnt the esmaculator and jason was , perhaps,if echols outed jason as the ice axe torturer/escalated murderer,jason couldve lied,& thrown echols under the bus,it was ready to roll!i think i understand how it happened that they all had to be released , ,if in fact the prosecuters refrained from using evidence(jason’s ice axe)that negated echols as killing ringleader and he ended up in solitary confinement on death row.if the ice axe was the weapon used and jason used it on byers not echols,at this point you have to let echols go,if they were tried together must they be released together?or what was up with the first report that 2 would be released ,perhaps prosecution at first negoiated to keep jason,but would echols and misskelly,throw jason under the bus?perhaps jason did it to impress echols. but this is all my opinion,and i avoided in the past reading much about this case because it was so complicated ,and propagandized ,when blink posted her article with some of actual evidence , i decided to finally give it a good look,i also thought terry hobbs seemed suspious in the past .there is only 1 motive i can come up with why he would gouge the genitals of a playmate of his sons in front of his son ,and was waiting for blinks next installments.i almost always say “i think” ,and i am just guessing ,speculating,probably wrong,did i fall for jesse’s head hangin?his confession is very interesting ,i guess echols and baldwin forgive him?they think it was coerced?somehow more than just one someone is/has been/will get played and even though it looks like its justice, its not.
http://callahan.8k.com/index.html
I just found this site that has every document from this case. I scrolled down to find that Echols flunked a polygraph and made some other statements.
Blink, not sure what hat I used the other couple of times I posted so can we go with the beaglebrd?
Yes’m. that is fine.
I posted that link, thanks for re-posting as the comments move pretty quickly.
The bulk of my research that was not provided to me directly from the file, was from there.
B
I love your work Blink but there is not a doubt in my mind these three men are 100% innocent. Like many I have followed this case for years, I was 23 years old when those beautiful boys were murdered. I’ve seen the documentaries, read the transcripts, read every book and piece of information I can get my hands on. A very troubled childhood and teenage years does not make you a murderer. Not one shred of evidence linking any of them to the boys or the crime scene, concrete or otherwise. Not one. Rumors, bold-faced lies, a panic-stricken community and pressured, inept LE caused this miscarriage of justice.
For them to be judged now for taking the plea?! Very easy to do if you’ve never spent a day in prison, let alone 18 years, for a crime you did not commit. And Damien’s body language with Lorrie? The man isn’t used to physical contact like that. He’s had minutes to digest what just happened so body language wouldn’t appear “normal”!
There is no justice for Stevie, Christopher and Michael and for that I blame the state of Arkansas. The West Memphis Three deserve their freedom and peace.
Fellow maternal Jerseyite- I respect your opinion, but your statement that there is no evidence linking them to this crime is not accurate. In fact, there is a great deal of circumstantial evidence, when viewed in totality, that is very compelling. Additionally, I would like you to consider, based on the evidence, there was information given by Echols, and then Miskelley, that could not have been gleaned anywhere else but from someone who was there.
I cannot say that the State does not bare some blame in the mess. They do. They were a tiny PD in a lower socio economic area in a panic looking for 3 small boys. That in and of itself is a panic button for even some of the best trained investigators, and even today, would NOT sound an amber alert.
For me, just because there is plenty of fingers pointing every which way, I think Ellington caved.
B
@moi, I believe al miller is correct. Blink is not challenging nor contradicting your post. Did you try to use a screen name other than Moi for the post in question? Some forums are ripe with people, aka trolls, who use multiple screen names in order to start flame wars or to give the appearance of a consensus opinion. I’m sure that was not your intention here but it is the reason, IMO, for Blink’s policy.
@ mellaril, do you share the same disdain for celebrities who come to a conclusion by simply watching a TV documentary? Eddie Vidder claims there is NO evidence against the WM3. This is simply pure BS. I’m not saying the evidence is rock solid and I’m not saying it was attained in an efficient manner but there is evidence. These celebrities actually lead people to dig in a make a stand especially when they are controversial themselves. Natalie Meanis ruined the Dixie Chick’s career with her big mouth and Johnny Depp has made statements about the US that leads me to think he should keep his arse in France and mind his own business.
Mom 3.0~ EXCELLENT post! You said exactly what I have been thinking, but never would have been able to put into words quite so eloquently.
I am not a stranger to this case,( I did quite a bit of research on it about 10 years ago),and I will admit that I have always believed
that they were in fact innocent.
However, after reading Blink’s first installment, and because I have the utmost respect for Blink and what she does here, I have been spending alot of time (at the Callahans site) refreshing my memory.
So far, my position hasn’t changed….but even still I am very much
looking forward to Blink’s next installment.
@Mom3.0
August 19, 2011 at 10:46 pm:
You’ve said it more tactfully. I am struck, reading through the comments, by the irony of people who claim that supporters of Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley are blindly led by celebrity hype when they themselves sometimes come off as Blink “bandwagoners”; the entire 4-part analysis has yet to be posted.
Yes, I am a long-time supporter of these young mens’ innocence in this case, but I do plan to read the entire series on this site as it becomes available. Critical analysis requires hearing all sides.
One final note concerning the body language at the press conference:
Damien Echols himself makes the point that he has been in solitary confinement virtually the entire time he’s been in prison (unlike Misskelley and Baldwin). His body language has to be read in context– a man who’s been isolated from other human beings for a long period of time.
My four part series just became 3, as the 4th installment was a planned ” legal strategies and available remedies piece, and that is now moot.
I respect the fact that anyone who has a previous opinion is willing to consider others, that is ALL I could ask for, and I sincerely appreciate the privilege.
fair comment on the body language, and I admit I consider my recent information about his documented psych issues.
I believe I have offered this before, but the inspiration for my “nom de plume” is the book by the title, by Malcom Gladwell. I mention it because for me, it thoroughly explained the differences in how our minds process information differently.
B
B
@ Mom3.0 says:
August 19, 2011 at 10:55 pm
That’s precisely how I feel. It saddens me that so many feel justice has been served. For whom? Certainly not for our CUBS 3 who died an unimaginable death. A new trial may not have been a sure thing, but it would have brought new information into light. It would have given the truth a chance. Now it’s just shut down. And for the life of me, I will never understand Baldwin’s statement of wanting to fight for his innocence in court yet conclude it was more important to help a friend. Maybe in a bar fight.
….and why a parent of a murdered child would stand up for the incarcerated WITHOUT demanding authorities to find his son’s killer makes no sense. I could never walk away from this without a fight to my death if it were my own son. Never. I’d want answers, and I’d be a thorn in anyone’s side that I felt could and should provide them. It would be a crusade to my own grave.
Show us the real killer and then we’ll put this to rest. Otherwise, this is going to haunt many lives for a very long time.
B, you did right by Chris, Michael and Stevie. That much I’m sure of.
I am not even sure what the prosecutor agreed to is legal. If the memphis 3 were so likely to be granted a new trial, which would reverse their convictions, how is that saving anyone from death row?
It is the antithesis of the state’s last motion, and a new trial was not even on the table, it had been denied several times.
B
StephG says:
August 20, 2011 at 9:40 am
-snipped-
Seriously, they all quote info from that piece of crap documentary or base their decisions on what Depp, Maines and Vedder are spewing.
Most excellent observation. To add, I’d be interested in knowing if Depp, Maines and Vedder have read the investigation files themselves. I respect people standing up for causes, but what exactly are the convictions these celebrities bring to the table that prove they are guilty or innocent? This is why I keep preaching how essential it is to ask questions and not take any source @ face value. Perhaps celebrities could look to Matt Damon and ask his reasons for why he chose to march for teachers. He does not stand on ceremony. JMHO
@ puddnheadwilson says:
August 20, 2011 at 1:43 pm
-snipped-
One final note concerning the body language at the press conference:
Damien Echols himself makes the point that he has been in solitary confinement virtually the entire time he’s been in prison (unlike Misskelley and Baldwin). His body language has to be read in context– a man who’s been isolated from other human beings for a long period of time.
You make a good point. His body language could be a result of his environment.
Just one thing….he went into prison with those same issues. He was unable to sustain any kind of relationship. He was observed as having severe trust issues. He already struggled with isolation and an inability to make lasting friendships (as per first 100 pages). I almost think he chose to be a loner. If anything, solitary would exasperate his condition. Personally, I’m concerned for his wife. He needs therapy, rehabiliations and perhaps long term observation before venturing out into the public. The embrace between he and Baldwin surprised me greatly. Rehearsed perhaps? I know that’s not a natural show of affection for Echols. Again, JMHO
Blink~ To your knowledge, was Terry Hobbs ever interviewed? And, if so, do you know where it might be located? I can’t seem to find it on the Callahans site…..ty in advance.
he was, in 2007 following the “hair” find and without an attorney present. He was never considered a suspect.
The man is no Mr. nice guy, and that Hicks/Hobbs family is a train wreck and an entirely different “study”.
It should be noted BOTH he and Pam Hobbs had book deals which they were paid about $12,500 a piece.
Hobbs daughter Amanda was paid $3500 to steal her Dad’s journal, copy it, by investigators Ron Lax, allegedly.
B
Ohh,..sorry for the double post…but I would also like to read any statement that David Jacoby might’ve given, do you know if one exists?
“Had I known 15 years ago what the world would be like today, I would have never had 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.”
–Tarheel
——————
Hi Tarheel, (great name, by the way!)
I think the difference today is not that we have more deviant behavior but that we hear more about it because of the internet. It may appear that horrific crimes have increased, but it’s the flow of information that has actually increased.
I am reading Misskelly’s statement and (besides being horrified) wondering, was it videotaped? Because it is pretty visual and complex for someone “with an IQ of 72″ who is “innocent”.
No, but audio is available.
Keep in mind, there are 3.
B
“4.Angellica says:
August 19, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Glad most noticed the difference in actions between Echols and his wife. She was almost giddy, so happy to see him. It was like he pulled and turned away. Not the reaction I would want from someone after I worked my a$$ off to get him released from death row.”
_______________________________________________________________
I noticed this too and commented on Blink’s notice of it. My Dh was downtown yesterday hoping to see Vedder or Depp and just watch the general redneck hooplah. I read the paper to him during a long drive this am to keep him awake. He doesn’t “know enough to make a determination” and his reaction was: “He’s been in solitary for who knows how long. How would anyone react to all of that stimulation and someone hanging on them as well?”. Hmph.
susanm-8/20-10:08am
You sucked the breath right out of me with your intensely logical and passionate post. You rock, Ms.Joyce.
Q? What would be THbbs motive in the emasculation? To prove his power and that he, and he alone, was Dad? (almost wrote god).
I hope other Blinkers give your post a read and try to relax about punctuation. The ideas, organization, voice, syntax, word choice are all A+.
Thx susan
15.mellaril says:
August 19, 2011 at 10:21 pm
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Lata. Blessed be.
“18.Mom3.0 says:
August 19, 2011 at 10:46 pm
I can not make a determination one way or another on their guilt or innocence-
>>>B: “This is a teaching/learning blog. . .
…to be married to a theory or a thought and to be unwilling to change that theory or thought, even when given reason to, does not help a victim or their family or justice.”<<<
I agree with you both. I watched the documentaries when they came out, read everything I could as it became available, and then in the past 5 years came to live in the actual area of the crime. I recently thought that the WM3 were innocent. Until I read what Blink posted. And that is just a teeny bit I'm sure. Now I'm 70/30.
I would like to have a clear conscience about it, especially since no one at the press conference acknowledged the loss of three sweet little best friends and the hideous way in which they died,
I lost a friend yesterday because in 1993 he was maybe 7, and he told me to take my opinions elsewhere as he is so versed in this case. Hmph.
“In the deposition in the suit against her brought by Hobbs, she openly she admitted that she knows very little of the facts of the case. That surprised me.
B”
Who did please, Blink?
Natalie Maines
B
Thank you Blink, for your wisdom and kindness.
I am glad to know that there is still room on the island for me even if I end up docked at a different port- right now I am drifting…
Thanks to everyone who has seen fit to share your thoughts ect.
Before I begin another one of my posts- I want to make sure that everyone understands that my opinions ect are no more or less valid then anyone elses. Including Blinks or veders or Maines or depps-ect
I also want to underline that I have not made up my mind- and that when I give my opinions that seem to be defending mostly one side- the 3, it makes me uncomfortable to do so, especially when I have not come to any conclusion, and I am not done researching- However- right now- I do not see the evidence that everyone is seeing that points to these 3 having done this horrible crime- that does not mean that they didnt- but just that I havent seen it-
Al- even celebrities have a right to voice their opinions- although I am not sure she should have said what she said -she has a right to have as big of mouth as she wants-
I am not sure why everyone is so mad at these celebrities- they chose this as their championship and they believe in it- Do you know POSITIVELY without a shred of doubt that these men are guilty?
Why be mad at them?…Most of you have come here to say that you to were “tricked” into believing what you now think is a lie…
So are they not human? Can they not make mistakes? Perhaps someday they will come to believe differently, but they have to make this decision on their own, they can not be shamed or forced into it- otherwise they will hold onto it more determinedly. Just as christy’s friend did.
If those that have changed their opinion, would not have come here to read Blinks piece, and would not have come to the new beliefs on their own, wouldnt they too, still be believing the “lie”?
AJMO
I have to say that for years I thought they were wrongly accused. I live in the state. We were told it was a witch hunt and that there was nothing to convict but an “almost retarded” confession that was coerced. I know some people in the middle of this ‘free them’ saga.
But when I heard they might go free without another trial and then was blown away when I read Blink’s information that I am now on the OMG they did it wagon.
I never took time to research the other side. Of course it wasn’t in the news because everyone wanted to think they got the guys so you’re safe.
My reasoning was always that I couldn’t understand how three teenagers could do a crime without there being any evidence at their homes or at the scene to connect them. But I’ve learned now about things I didn’t know they had, about the officer falling into the water, that water won’t retain DNA evidence, and on and on. I kind of had it out with a friend and her sister on FB because they are on the side of the famous supporters and like me believed what we were told in the media.
To let them go and say you aren’t going to look at the case any further is a slap in the face to the three little boys who were killed and to their survivers.
Now I understand what Steven Branch meant when he accused the other parents of taking “blood money” and suddenly switching sides.
It was all about the book and documentary deals .
Christy I am sorry you lost your friend- I hope someday you both will be able to comfortably accept oneanothers opposing views.
xara, and Puddinhead- thank you for speaking up. Ragdoll, my friend, so glad to see you and thankyou for your insights as always.
Merril- instead of running away- you should have stayed and added a voice to the respectful discussion. Come back we dont hold grudges.
susanm- Hello- thankyou for taking the time to write down your thoughts and your reasoning behind each- and doing it so kindly.
You gave me much to think about and you could ofcourse be correct in your thoughts-
Here are mine FWIW-
I agree that noone should be looked at and judged guilty based upon their music attire ect and certainly not in a court of law-
You asked about their confessions- I have only read /heard part of jesse’s first confession- IMO he was wrong on so many details and I was not comfortable with how police seemed to lead him to the correct answer. I am also uncomfortable with the fact that they had Jesse there interrogating him for twelve hours and only the last 45 were taped- why were they not taped? Why were they interrogating a 17 year old without his parents consent? And is it true that that lady Vicki? brought him there? I am also not comfortable with the police-officers answer IRT why Jesse got so many details wrong- “He was confused”
How many times did jesse confess and to whom?
damien- I am unaware of any confessions- unless you are speaking about the baseball game one-? if you are, I am uncomfortable about the different inconsistencies ect- and if it did happen and its not a rumor run amuck,- whose to say it wasnt damien being “damien”….. trying to scare someone with a confession ect?-
In the movie “Presumed Innocent” Harrison Fords character is asked by a prosecutor-outside of court, if he did it…he badgers him saying he knows he killed her…Ford answers in retort- Yeah you’re right- you’re always right… I did it- when this info is brought before the judge he rules it inadmissible and not an omission of guilt he says- In my neighborhood- I would have said “Youre’ mamma”-…..
My point is there are many reasons why a person, let alone a teen, will say or do something…and not all of them point only towards a guilty conscience or omission of guilt.
AS for Jason – I am also unaware of his confession- to whom and under what circumstances did he confess?
Were any of these confessions or interviews ect taped? I would very much like to view them for myself.
You asked who would brag? Well first of all- From my understanding this is all from towns people, mostly other teens who were gossiping and rumor mongering…Yes I am one that believes some of the best info police can find is in the rumor mill…but it should not be the only info used in court- nor should it be believed without substantiating it several times over- Next Who would brag? a kid like Damien would- This kid was a poseur that was pretending to be a bad ass– he had a violent past? okay lets look at one instance:
he got in a fight with the boy who was interested in his girl- This fight….it consisted of damien using his very feminine nails- long and pointy and “devilish” looking and scratching the guys face….
you know what most bad ass violent emotionally disturbed kids would think about that? They wouldnt- not even in the same ball park-
Blink did bring to light the ice axe- and it would seem she COULD be right- but she MAY NOT be- those wounds COULD have been made by a good number of things- a belt buckle, a monkey wrench, the sticks that were never taken in for evidence- the chain from the bikes- the trucks of the skatebord-a screw driver- a handmade weapon, a spear, numbchucks- sword- boots with spurs ect ect
image:
http://tinyurl.com/3ndlwan
possibly all of them belonging to one of the 3 or possibly none of them belonging to them…
Youre scenarios are just as brilliant and plausible as the next susanm, I can come up with a million reasons why a father would emasculate his son or his sons playmate- and commit murder, as many as I can comeup for a drifter pedo doing it- and I can even come up with reasons why the the WM3 could have done it…or even scenarios where LE or probation officers, preachers ect would/could do that.Apparently lots of people came up with seemingly very plausible scenarios that involved ritualistic killings and satanism….
But they are only scenarios nothing more, and certainly not proof-
AJMO
LOL I meant to write “Your mama” not “youre mamma” sorry for the mistakes guys- next time I get into an argument I just might use You are mamma- that might just throw the whole argument into an entirely different funny direction…
In the deposition in the suit against her brought by Hobbs, she openly she admitted that she knows very little of the facts of the case. That surprised me.
B”
Who did please, Blink?
__________________
Natalie Maines
B
__________________
*audible sigh*
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! A familiar name and face appeared on Judge Jeanine’s tonight……Michael Baden. He completely supports the WM3 and said it was a wrongful arrest from the beginning. GEEZ! These people are like a bad dream I just can’t wake up from seriously!
As far as Echols’ obvious nervouseness, yes probably partly in due to the isolation and just beng released. The thing I was watching most intently was when the reporter asked the question of the WM3 might have any information to lead to the “real killer”…. None of them answered, Misskelley’s head drops and all the lawyers move in and start with major distraction. Misskelley is clear agitated. He does not return Baldwin’s hug…. just very bizarre behavior. No questions at all for Misskelley, he was kept off camera a good bit with the focusly mostly on Baldwin and Echols. Misskelley was ushered quickly as Baldwin left. I thnk the man is honestly in fear for his life. I have to watch his interrogation interviews, but I believe this man would confess again.
I absolutely believe he would confess again.
B
Just to reinforce how TV can skew thought, I watched a segment of Judge Jennie on Fox Cable where one of her guests was none other than the famous Dr. Baden. His position was that the WM3 were totally innocent because all the marks on the bodies were caused by animal bites. The autopsies were all in error. What an egoistic piece of crap. It is these types of statements that show great disrespect for the accuracy of forensic science.
I am certainly not qualified to perform an autopsy, but I do know what an animal bite on flesh looks like. I did read every one of the autopsies. These young boys were under the water and they were found in less than 24 hours. Animals would not have been able to smell them in that short period of time while covered in water.
Maybe someone needs to take Dr. Baden to the woods and let him see what an animal can really do with their teeth when they are defending themselves or hunting.
He should have read his own report before appearing, that is not even what it says. It also conflicts with the other “experts”. The comparisons were made against the serrated knife, which I also happen to agree was not the murder weapon.
This case for me is the epitome of can and will happen when there is unlimited funding, both the good and the bad. It will crack you up to know that one of the better reports in my view, was Dr. Spitz.
B