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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*sentence should have read *totally* managed…not just -managed-
Thanks
@ cbickel
Nah, it’s all good.
@ Morgan
Mark Byers’s whereabouts have been confirmed by various people. I can’t for the life of me remember the exact details of his alibi, but it’s solid. There was never any evidence against him, anyway. There was a knife with blood that could’ve (and probably was) his, and the fact that he had his teeth pulled out. The pulling of his teeth is moot anyway since presence of a bite mark was never determined. But even if it had been, having your teeth pulled out is not that uncommon, esp. for those not too keen on oral hygiene, which wouldn’t be surprising for Byers).
The “Bojangles Man” was sick and out of it. He couldn’t even control his bowel movement, let alone 3 kids. Though not checking up on that was terrible police work. Officer Regina Meeks sure doesn’t sound all that competent.
The evidence against Hobbs consists of a hair (not conclusively proven to be his, only narrowed down to 1.5% of the population; though IMO it probably is his) on a shoelace (likely his stepson’s, but it being on any of the boys’s sholaces is just as easy to explain). Oh, and a former in-law, who he’s in a feud with, mentioning a decade and a half later that she saw him doing laundry that evening.
As for Jacoby, the single hair could belong to him or to anyone else from the narrowed-down-to 7% of the population. It was taken from a nearby tree stump, not the victims or their clothes. It was also taken some 2 weeks after the murders.
I completely agree with you that there are some shady characters in this case. But I just don’t see anything terribly suspicious looking over the actual facts, let alone something comparable to the mountain of (yes, circumstantial) evidence against the WM3.
Now it is my turn to laugh at Blink’s story. Pancakes for lunch. Your parents were so wise to guide you through a difficult time in growing up. Every child goes through a similar period. It is a part of learning about yourself and how you relate to your community. Wise and caring parents are always aware of what is going on and take steps to make the transit easier.
And the condiment pair, ketchup and mustard. I can just visualize how those names were acquired. I laughed for a long time about that paragraph.
Thank you for your support regarding my post. Lucy’s last paragraph really made me think about how we choose to view the things we see in out society and the way we react to them.
I know that you are a loving caring person who will guide your children through that period in their lives. Leaving any child to find their path without love and guidance is IMO a failure of being a parent. You will know of your success sometime in the future when each one will come to you and express how much they appreciate what you did for them as they were growing up.
You may be getting or beginning to get gale force winds from the storm. This is going to be a long evening. Praying that you will not have any damage.
I forgot to respond that Ketchup and Mustard were given their nicknames because they are 12 months apart but they were fraternal twins, of that I am convinced, lol, and they had matching bathing suits- one red and one yellow and I told them they looked like ketchup and mustard when they stood together- it stuck.
I am mayo, because I had platinum hair as a kid, and because everyone likes mayo better than ketchup and mustard
B
-snipped-
You absolutely did not, I was referring to Ms. Pasdar, sorry if I was obtuse.
B
No apologies necessary! That’s the one thing I struggle with when it comes to online communication. Without facial expressions, tone of voice and body language, it’s quite easy to misinterpret. I am over the top animated when in conversation. This is challenging for me, but thanks to the patience and guidance of you and my fellow BOC’ers, I’m learning to step back and ask questions first. Not jump to conclusions. Thank you for your reassurance!!!! Bear huggles~
@ ATG AND Blink,
A Texas Grandfather says:
August 27, 2011 at 5:41 pm
ATG’s post AND Blink’s response made me feel like I was transported to Mayberry. With deep gratitude, I thank you both for sharing your heart felt family stories and experiences. I know I’ve said this before, but my comfort movie is Steel Magnolias. One of my favourite lines by Truvy…’laughter through tears is my favourite emotion’. Amen. What a roller coaster but I LOVED every minute. Merci beaucoup to you both <3
I can tell you exactly where I start crying and stop in that flick, one of my all-time faves. Thanks for the kind words, pancakes on me.
Best line ever: “Shelby was right, my hair does look like a brown football helmet.”
B
Re: the hair that was consistant w/Hobbs…
Quote: more than 99.9 percent of the population, among them Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley, can be excluded as the donor of the hair located on the Moore ligature, but one person who cannot be so excluded is Terry Hobbs.
Re:the hair that was consistant w/Jacoby….
Quote: Also of great significance, a hair recovered by the West Memphis police on a tree root near where the victims’ bodies were located has a mitochondrial profile possessed by less than three percent of the population, but one person who cannot be excluded as a donor is David Jacoby.
Also, someone had mentioned Turvey and the “human bite mark”. I believe it is now accepted by both sides that he was mistaken.
However, there are 5 forensic experts and 2 forensic odontologists
that have all concluded that the *vast majority* of the wounds on all 3 boy’s were in fact due to post-mortem and/or peri-mortem animal predation. Including the emasculation of Byers and the left side of Branch’s face.
I have already posted a link to where I found this info, but since I am quoting it, I feel it is only right that I link it again:
http://www.jivepuppi.com/court_filing_10_07.html
Yes, all hired by the defense. It is impossible that Byers was emasculated post mortem, he bled out.
B
Found this website this morning: http://wm3truth.com/
Thought I would share. It has some interesting reading.
mom3.o says “As for WM3 supporters- it is my understanding, that many feel this plea is not justice-” —- i am confused then , didnt vedder encourage jasonb to take the plea a week before it happened?:
Aug 23, 2011 · Soury says a letter that Vedder wrote to Baldwin “made him more comfortable with his decision” to accept the plea. Soury says Vedder’s letter “let Jason …
http://www.nydailynews.com/…08-23_west_memphis_3_damien_echols_jason_baldwin…free_after_.html
susan, they have pulled that piece.
B
Baldwin told reporters that he was initially unwilling to agree to the unusual plea deal because it was “not justice.”
But Soury says a letter that Vedder wrote to Baldwin “made him more comfortable with his decision” to accept the plea.
Soury says Vedder’s letter “let Jason know that Eddie and other folks were there for him whatever decision he made in this difficult time.”
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2011/08/23/2011-08-23_west_memphis_3_damien_echols_jason_baldwin_jessie_misskelley_jr_walk_free_after_.html#ixzz1WKx0bJf1 —- well here’s the full quote,ALSO, it the defense who approached the prosecutors with the plea deal ,not the other way around. means somethings changed dramatically in the defense position ,it just seems they had something on each other ,the defense had “issues” on the prosecutors, and they prosecution had “guilt” on the defense ,they struck a deal.otherwise why would the defense approach,if they wanted a new trial?
Last week there was an interesting panel discussion in Little Rock with the primary lawyers in this case taking part. It will help to understand what went on in Arkansas the past few weeks.
http://www.clintonschoolspeakers.com/lecture/view/west-memphis-three-past-present-and-future/
I am not sure why nobody feels the need to disclose this, but Maura Leveritt, author of the THE DEVILS KNOT, started this paper with her prior husband, and still maintains Executive Editor status. She also has a private blog you can join for a $15 one time fee. Her books were sold at this event.
I am not condemning the issue, but I feel strongly disclosure is being ommitted here.
B
@ susanm – 10:38
I completely agree with you. The defense needed this more than the prosecution, if you ask me. The fact that they came up with this scheme at this time speaks volumes to me.
Regardless of who needed it, it begs the question as to why Ellington agreed to it, but more specifically, why would the defense agree to an ex parte meeting between Ellington and the Attorney General on the matter if they did not KNOW what was going to be discussed- what counsel would agree with that?
I do not understand why Crittenden County would allow this without demanding the transcript from the ex parte meeting. You have got to be kidding me that Ellington was elected last year, and in an 18 year old case, makes this decision, which I still say, is not even legal.
Whether the true reason for it supports either side, I don’t know, but if I were a constituent, you can bet your bippy I would be asking for a meeting to find out. I called Grisham, he is interested.
B
“Known as the “West Memphis Three,” Baldwin, Echols and Misskelley long maintained their innocence and gained national attention to their fight for exoneration.”
Right off the bat it is inaccurate in that Misskelley has also confessed along the way. They conveniently leave that out. However that appears to be a blanket statement that is oft repeated in various articles.
This is an excellent trial transcript on Jesse’s polygraph, and what happened leading up to his confession:
http://web.courierpress.com/audio/bugle.mp3
I was not talking about Vedder or any other celebrity- contrary to what some seem to believe I am not basing my thoughts or posts on celebrities or the documentaries-
I was talking about comments I have read at the end of articles discussing the, at that time, possible plea deal- no contest plea- ect- in addition to the supporter sites comments about the decision-
like these – snipped :
Damion should take the deal (Death is final)
The rest should stick it out………… (IMHO)
and
I would much rather see the prosecution lose, face embarrassment, and be sued. But, that quite possibly could never happen. At least through this Alford Plea, they will surely be set free in a physical sense.
and
It’s sad, but (as much as I’d like to see them go to trial and be exonerated completely) it’s really the smart move.
and
I’m still confused? Why would they plead no contest to this if they had nothing to do with it? Why wouldn’t they go through with a trial and be proven not guilty rather than admit to it by pleading no contest and closing out the case? Their trial was set in just a few months!! What about the accusations of Terry Hobbs? What happens to him?
I’m kind of sick at the thought that they will be pleading no contest…we all know what that means
and
I don’t really like the idea that they would gain their freedom this way. It means the prosecutors and the judge will never have to admit they were wrong. I hope they think long and hard about this deal when they could win a new trial in Dec and be completely cleared of all charges. Why should they admit there is enough evidence to prosecute them when it isn’t true.
Guys, I know you want to get out more than anything in the world, but make sure that the Dec hearing isn’t the better way to go so your names are completely cleared and they can find who really committed this horrible crime.
and
DO NOT take a deal. I know you’ve suffered for a long time, but take it to trial. This is all so that horrible Burnett won’t lose his Senate seat by it being proved that he did this terrible crime to you all. Or it’s something else of that nature. DO NOT GIVE THEM A LEG TO STAND ON. Let them endure a three-ring circus with the theme of how inhuman they are, how undeserving of a political seat, how THEY are the ones who should be in jail, etc. Emerge from this as you should be- SCOTT FREE, BLAMELESS and INNOCENT. DO NOT let them get away with this!
and
I am crying over this news. I am so hopeful for these boys. I also pray they can be released with full recognition of their innocence and that any ‘deal’ reached does not mar this
and
It’s sad, but (as much as I’d like to see them go to trial and be exonerated completely) it’s really the smart move……. I just don’t understand why they can’t do a trial and prove their innocence. This is not closing the case. This is leaving everything in the air.
and
also the comments from 2 of the victims parents-
This one from Mr. Byers- quoted directly from ap article-
“There’s certainly no justice for the three men that’s been in prison or my son and his two friends,” Byers said. “To me, this is just a cop-out from the state for not wanting to admit that they made a mistake.”
If anyone would like to read more comments not just from supporters but everyone, just go back and read the articles discussing the emergency meeting -
many confused people- supporters too- who were discussing their feeling on a plea- many saying they wanted all the evidence presented in a trial – and many discussing Finding the real killers of the little victims- and what this plea would mean for that endeavor..
AJMO
Blink and All- Ellington gave an interview where he goes into great detail why he wanted to enter this agreement-
http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2011/08/23/local_news/doc4e53ab9e3ee7f111086957.txt
Article entitled:
Prosecutor: ‘We made right call’ in WM3 case
Snipped pertinent clips of Ellington explaining the reasoning:
Making the deal to release the men was an easy call, said Scott Ellington, prosecuting attorney for the 2nd Judicial District.
“I feel comfortable we made the right decision,” Ellington told The Jonesboro Sun on Monday. “At the end of the day we’ve got three guilty pleas in the deaths of three dead children.”
When first approached, Ellington said he wanted to negotiate and agreed to meet with defense attorneys. During a grueling and contentious four-and-a-half-hour meeting Aug. 10, an agreement was reached.
Prosecutors agreed to not contest new trials for Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley.
Echols and Misskelley agreed to the deal almost immediately, but Baldwin didn’t, Ellington said. After haggling for several days, Ellington said he gave Baldwin until Aug. 17 to make up his mind.
“I told them (attorneys) I needed all three,” he said.
The men would be sentenced to time served — more than 18 years in prison.
Ellington admitted Monday he might have cut the deal with just Echols and Misskelley. But it didn’t come to that.
Around 5 p.m. Wednesday Baldwin’s attorneys called, and the deal was done…..
New trials for all three men would likely have been ordered, and it would have been very difficult to secure convictions, Ellington said. Recent DNA evidence, deteriorated evidence and a chorus of changing stories by some who testified in the original trials are the primary reasons he allowed the men an avenue out.
The mother of a softball player who testified at trial that she overheard Echols tell friends he killed the boys, now says her daughter lied, Ellington said.
Another witness, Victoria Hutchinson, has also said she lied on the stand, according to a sworn statement…..
Without DNA, Ellington said it might be hard for a jury to convict any the men.
Money factored in, too.
Additional trials would have cost untold sums, and if the men were acquitted, they could have sued the state for wrongful convictions.
The agreed deal prevents a lawsuit against the state.
At no time has Ellington contemplated dropping charges altogether, but he admits if new trials had been ordered, he might have reconsidered, based on the daunting nature of this case.
“There’s nothing like it,” Ellington said. “It’s a case unto itself.”
Baldwin’s case would have been the toughest in which to secure a conviction, while Misskelley’s may have been the easiest, Ellington said.
Since the deal, Ellington said he’s received many e-mails and messages, mostly negative, about the decision, but he doesn’t care.
“We were able to protect the decisions made by two juries,” Ellington said. “We feel good about that.”
_
Something I’ve noticed and wanted to get these great minds here talking about. People keep saying this ditch may have just been a dumpsite. Have you looked at the luminol pics on the callahan site? http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/img2/luminol_photos.html
There was plenty of blood spatter. And what about the blue candle wax, which was found to have matched a candle at Damien’s? I know Blink will address this in Parts 2 & 3, nut I wanted to get some of your alls takes on it.
Go Blink! Do you think the WM3 will receive a pardon from the governor? From what I have read the short answer is no, but I never have in a million years thought they would be set free either. I hope you and yours continue to be safe and sound.
P.S.: I love that you know how to spell y’all.
He will not pardon these men.
B
Another thought has occurred to me regarding the economic situation of both the defendants and victims in this case. If the 3 children had come from middle class families in higher class neighborhoods would we have seen the same results and lack of victim representation? IMO, advocates of the defendants have been hypocrites to some degree in focusing all their attention on the plight of those they defend while completely ignoring or even taking advantage of the victim’s families and their plight. I can’t help feeling that the advocates pulled some of the same stuff they have accused the prosecution of.
A very good read, imho.
-snipped-
District Attorney Scott Ellington conceded that a new trial for the men was coming down the judicial pike and that it would have been “practically impossible” to retry them.
http://www.capitalpunishmentbook.com/?p=618
Analysis: West Memphis 3 deal has fallout
ANDREW DeMILLO, Associated Press
Published 12:05 p.m., Sunday, August 28, 2011
http://www.chron.com/news/article/Analysis-West-Memphis-3-deal-has-fallout-2144874.php
Scott Ellington, the prosecutor who agreed to the deal, said he was acutely aware of the effects of accepting or rejecting the deal.
“I was damned if I did and damned if I didn’t,” he said.
Ellington could be the first test of what political fallout, if any, may come for those involved as they go before voters. Elected last year as a prosecutor, Ellington is considered a potential candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 1st Congressional District in eastern Arkansas. Though he said that’s a race that hasn’t crossed his mind lately, he also won’t completely rule it out.
The decision wasn’t about politics but justice, Ellington said. Not agreeing to the deal and allowing the case to continue — with the potential of a new trial exonerating the men — would have been an easier decision if it was only about the politics.
“It was in the best interest of the district and the state,” Ellington said. “It might not have been in my best political interest.”
============================================
I do not agree. It seems to me that this “plea deal” was in his best interest.
“Brief comment while we still have power: It never has been, nor is it now my goal , to change anyone’s opinion on a case- that discredits my integrity, and of course, is not objective.”
Blink, on second reading, my comment was certainly a bit ambiguous, and I apologize if I gave the impression that I believed you to have an agenda, or to be anything less than objective. Wasn’t my intention, I fully understand what you are doing with this series, and the need for objectivity. Again, sorry for not phrasing that better. Hope you’re safe!
Did not take it that way Lucy but thanks for the clarification.
B
….my point for post and link….
Ellington didn’t even WANT TO TRY.
Ellington soliloquy…”Let’s be done with it so I can get on with more important things”.
Missus Wiggins, getta your bambi tush in a here rit now so we can a booka my tee time”.
“Regardless of who needed it, it begs the question as to why Ellington agreed to it, but more specifically, why would the defense agree to an ex parte meeting between Ellington and the Attorney General on the matter if they did not KNOW what was going to be discussed- what counsel would agree with that?
I do not understand why Crittenden County would allow this without demanding the transcript from the ex parte meeting. You have got to be kidding me that Ellington was elected last year, and in an 18 year old case, makes this decision, which I still say, is not even legal.”
While very familiar with the case, my knowledge of it, and especially of the history of the many appeals and legalities over the years, is definitely not quite as thorough as that of many others. But, those who know the case through and through (on the non-supporter side, of course, ie. those who believe in the WM3′s guilt) have pointed out that, from what Ellington has said of the case, it appears that he is far from being as familiar with it as he should be. They also believe the defense dragged their feet for years with the DNA testing on purpose, waiting it out until those familiar with the case were no longer around. And for someone like Ellington to show up instead.
Personally, I can’t find another explanation for this bizarre outcome. Well, there are some less benign scenarios (not that this one is benign, but…), but it’s probably better for me not to get into such speculation.
Lucy says:
August 28, 2011 at 4:18 pm
They also believe the defense dragged their feet for years with the DNA testing on purpose, waiting it out until those familiar with the case were no longer around. And for someone like Ellington to show up instead.
================================
In the link that Marbor provided, Ellington addresses the evidence that was DNA tested previously. He mentions that it may not still be around. I thought this remark was curious to say the least.
Curious is a very apt descriptor for many of his comments. I do not like to be critical of LE or prosecutors, in fact it pains me. This entire matter needs independent review.
B
@Mom 3.0 I can tell you exactly when Baldwin’s attorney called Ellington. I could have shown you a screenshot of him reading my piece, and where he went next. I say could have, because it is now under something that starts with an s that I would be violating if I were to publish.
The hurricane was like a walk in the park. Sigh.
B
A
Covering that in detail tomorrow.
Cant wait-
Seals are lovely animals-
But sadly sometimes they never do see the light of day….just ask Casey Anthony ….sigh
Thanks for the info Blink
Xara
In regard to you post where you quote the number of so called experts, working for the defense, stating the damage to the boys was done by animals.
What is your experience with animals and how they feed in nature? If you are a city person, you may have to depend on others for that information.
There are few animals in the USA who feed on their prey while in the water. Aligators are one, but there are no known aligators in this part of Arkansas. A fish known as an Aligator Gar that has teeth and a snout like an Aligator is another. All other animals would attempt to pull the body out of the water prior to feeding. A snake known as a water moccasin will bite under water and eat very small prey if they can swollow it without compromising their breathing. Most of the time they bite the prey to paralyze it (they are posionous) and bring it to the bank to consume.
The bodies were found under the water in less than 24 hours. These guys that reported for the defense are being paid to make their statements. Payment is ok, they are supposed experts. However, I have come to understand that these people have an agenda to support the people paying the bill.
The only way they can be kept straight is to put them on the witness stand and ask them some tough questions. Just reading a report without checking their accuracy is not an acceptable manner of procedure IMO. Since no trial was held, their opinions in my mind are worth about the price of the paper on which they are written.
I am not picking on you. I am trying to give you information so that you can decide for yourself.
The reply from Blink should be a big clue.
Blink
I am glad that the hurricane fizzeled out. When it hit the cool water North of the outer banks of North Carolina it lost the heat it needed to sustain itself.
However, I did worry about all the water that could be dumped on ground that was saturated. Count yourself lucky.
Thank you Ragdoll
You and Blink like Steel Magnolias. Fried Green Tomatoes sort of fits this as well.
Mom3.0
Once again you put together a logical list of questins and statements that raise serious doubt about the proceedure.
I suppose we will never know what actually took place behing those closed doors.
“The mother of a softball player who testified at trial that she overheard Echols tell friends he killed the boys, now says her daughter lied, Ellington said.”
This is incorrect. Donna Medford’s recent declaration just cleared up, that while her daughters indeed told her about what they heard Echols say, she did not believe them AT THE TIME. She never mentions or implies anything about them lying. This is the declaration, so everyone can judge for themselves:
“I am informed and believe that during the 1994 trial, my daughter testified that she had attended a softball game in West Memphis in, Arkansas, in May of 1993, and that at that time she heard Damien Echols state that he had killed three little boys and that before he turned himself in he would kill two others. ..
I presently recall that I learned of the statement when I was driving home with Jodee, Jackie (another of my daughters), Katie Hendrix (my niece), and another girl, Christy Van Vickle. Jodee and others described the statement to me at that time.
When I heard the description of Mr. Echols’s statement during the drive, I told the girls to forget about it. I recall that at the time, I did not believe it possible that Damien was actually confessing to the crime in front of so many people, but was instead simply trying to draw attention to himself. It was for that reason that I did not report the girls’ statement to anyone else until I learned from television reports that Mr. Echols had been arrested.”
The girls also didn’t recant. Unless something has changed since the last time I checked up on this.
Personally, I find it maddening that Ellington would misrepresent facts of the case like this. Makes me pretty sure that he’s indeed not as familiar with the case as he should be.
Like I said, I just may FOIA those ex parte minutes, which, I can pretty much guarantee will be lost or sealed via mutual agreement of all parties.
B
I need some help…looking at pics of Jessie Misskelley I couldn’t help but notice his low set ears. I know that low set ears are common in a variety of syndromes, some of which are genetic and others are due to chemical and or alcohol abuse on the part of the mother during pregnancy.
In particular I wonder about fetal alcohol syndrome, I understand that complications from this syndrome usually get worse with each child. There has been mention of one of JM’s siblings being institutionalized due to mental retardation; since Jessie is Jessie “Jr” then I am assuming Jessie is older? A person with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can have varying degrees of mental retardation from mild to severe, some even have heart problems as well most common being Mitral Valve Prolapse.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000215/1059.html
The above is MOO and really just a general observation after looking at the pics I could find of JM. I am in NO way suggesting that I know this for fact and for the record I am NOT trying to diagnose this young man. Basically I wondered if anyone else had noticed this and what their thoughts are.
I am also wondering about the Alford Plea that the WM3 gave thanks to Blink. Not quite sure what to make of that yet. Could it be that they thought nothing had really changed and they didn’t want to take a chance on being found guilty again? I just dunno.
One more thing, Blink mentioned earlier that the Byers boy “bled out”…are you saying he bled to death, that’s what I understand “bled out” to be. It IS possible to have some blood postmortem if there is a tear or cut where blood has pooled after death…not as much as a person who “bleds out” though.
“Yes, all hired by the defense. It is impossible that Byers was emasculated post mortem, he bled out.
B”
Forgot to add…
At his trial denied not only saying that, but also being at the softball park. A softball park employee testified that Echols was indeed there that on that day. In the years since, Echols has stopped denying it. Here, from the transcript of the 48 Hours on the WM3:
” But the two girls who were at that softball game that Damien attended testified that they overheard him admit to the murders.
“I don’t remember saying that at the time because to me, it – I didn’t actually do it. It would have been like a joke,” (Echols) says. ”
Nowadays Baldwin also doesn’t deny that Echols bragged at the softball game, but says it doesn’t mean anything. I’m not sure whether he flat out admitted Echols said it, or said Echols maybe said it. I think he also claims it was a joke. I can’t find the exact transcript of Baldwin’s statement about this, but I’ll post it as soon as I locate it.
Sorry, I messed up a bit on my 10:46 comment. What I meant to say was that the gist of Donna Medford’s declaration was that, at the time, she didn’t believe Damien could have actually been serious. Not that she didn’t believe, now or then, that her daughters, niece and the daughters’ friend heard him say it.
” I recall that at the time, I did not believe it possible that Damien was actually confessing to the crime in front of so many people, but was instead simply trying to draw attention to himself.”
Also, Baldwin’s take on the softball confession is apparently in his 2008 Habeas corpus petition (available at the Callahan website). He claims that Echols admitted to the murders at the softball game, but that he was acting out defensively in reaction to being considered suspicious.
ATG~ thanks for the info….you are correct I am a city girl.
And no, I certainly do not have any personal knowledge as to how animals feed in the wild, much less on humans submerged in water.
Since B’s piece came out and they guys were set free, I couldn’t help but wonder who (defense & state) have known about the ice pick, that it could match the wounds and how it was traded and traded back right before and after the murders.
B said it just wasnt a part of the original case.
I’m curious (especially after B’s recent post) as to wherever or not LE knew enough about it prior to giving this deal
If they found out afterwards
I wouldn’t be shocked if they were in the process of talking a deal, they defense was stalling bc they disnt want to have to admit guilt, but suddenly jumped at the chance right after reading about the ice pick.
B, curious if I’m remotely on track?
The state had already “agreed” not to fight the request for a new trial should it come out of the evidentiary hearing. The defense approached the State about a plea, allowed Ellington to meet with the Atty General on the matter ex parte, tweeked some language allegedly, and Echols and Miskelley were on board, Baldwin was not. I alerted WMPD and Prosecutor Ellington of my findings on Friday August 13, PRIOR to publishing my piece on Monday. By Tuesday Aug 16 after 5 PM, prosecutors were told Baldwin changed his mind and would agree.
It is my personal opinion that the ice axe was/is no longer in evidence or the state felt it would look so ridiculous that it was missed, and they had been so sure it was the Baldwin knife that a jury would not take it seriously- But, if I were a betting person, I would say they do not have it any longer since it went off the radar after serology from what I can tell.
B
Lucy could you please give us some links to your information. I understand that you have been following this case for a long time and you probably have alot of information memorized, but I have to admit you are the first poster that I’ve seen that Blink hasn’t asked for links to your facts or to state your source.
Please don’t think I mean a link for every sentence you compose, just things that post that come across as fact.
Example: Lucy says:
August 28, 2011 at 10:46 pm
“The mother of a softball player who testified at trial that she overheard Echols tell friends he killed the boys, now says her daughter lied, Ellington said.”
This is incorrect. Donna Medford’s recent declaration just cleared up, that while her daughters indeed told her about what they heard Echols say, she did not believe them AT THE TIME. She never mentions or implies anything about them lying. This is the declaration, so everyone can judge for themselves
**************************************
Where did you find that information? I would like to read it to see what else it has to say. Thanks in advance!
That is a fair request and I missed that “missing link”.
B
Sorry, my mistake. Almost everything on this case can be found by searching the Callhan archive, so I’ve gotten a bit rusty at remembering to post links.
Donna Medford’s 2007 declaration:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/img2/donna_medford_declaration.html
Damien Echols not denying it in 2010 (48 Hours transcript) – page 2:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/24/48hours/main6710294_page2.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody
Tell me if I’ve missed any more.
The rest of that 48 Hours transcript is so biased that it’s hard for me to watch after last week. As is much of the media coverage of the case (eg. Damien’s blatant lying on Larry King, that no one ever calls him out on). It was already aggravating when they were in prison, but now after they’ve been let go, I find it hard to even think back to all the shoddy media coverage over the years.
Well anyway, in this transcript Stidham claims Misskelley functions at the level of a 5-year-old child. He’s like no 5-year-old I’ve ever met, that’s for sure. Jessie is now engaged to be married, btw.
Okay I am gonna bite the bullet again- and take another unpopular stance inorder to supply a different perspective other than one equated towards guilt.
Again-let me say I do not know whether or not the WM3 committed these murders.
They most definitely could have, and Damien could have confessed his crime to a bunch of little girls- in some of the accounts, within ear short of a parent- all in a in a public place- Anything is possible.
its true- Iagree,Damien Echols was OBVIOUSLY not a very likable guy- He had a morbid curiosity and an even more morbid and sickening sense of humor.
IME there are thousands of young men/adolescents 9even girls) who are the same. Look at how well the Jack Ass movies do – watch youtube or Tosh.0 ect ect.
Look at all the comedians out there that joke about 911 cancer, Terry Shybo(sp) handicapped children, serial killers, the Wars ect- Look at all the sites on the internet that make fun of weird and strange deaths and horrible tragedies ect.
Having poor taste and a rotten sense of humor and being an idiot with no class does not mean that you are a murderer- even being 18 years old and thinking its funny to “brag” about the murders of 3 little boys in your own town- doesnot mean that you murdered them- it could mean that you are an insensitve douchebag- who undoubtedly likes to stir the rumormill.
DE was a smartazz totally devoid of brains when it came to interacting with others. His weird and seemingly indifferent and inappropriate responses to others questioning his involvement ect was completely STUPID-
He seemed to encourage the rumors and the negative attention. Yes he did later change his statements IRT the SBG- (pp)I dont remember and IF I did- it was said as a joke…
Even Jason later said via the 2008 habeas corpus petition (PDF) :
“Sure, Echols bragged about the killings at the softball park, but he was just joking” argument and complained (seriously) that those comments were taken out of “context”.
It is true that Donna Medford never totally recanted her daughters OR her niece’s statements, nor did she recant their friends statement that were said to have been there also, to my knowledge-
But it is also true that at the time she couldnt have possibly believed these statements. If she did- she would have IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED POLICE- Why? Because according to her statement given to police on June 7- Damien Echols did not just “brag” about killing little Michael, Stevie and Christopher, He also stated that he was going to kill 2 more kids AND that he already had one picked out.
But wait- THATS not all, – He blatantly threatened BODILY HARM to at least one of these little girls directly- He told her he was gonna bite her “titties off”
This is Donna’s original statement, which is far more descriptive than her later one:
The week of May 24th when my two girls Jodee & Jackee Medford and Christi Vanvickle got in the car they started all talking at once telling me about what the wierd black haired boy had said that night. The all said they heard him say that he had killed those 3 little boys. Jodee said she heard him say “He had killed the boys and before he got caught or turned himself in he was gonna kill 2 more and already had one picked out.” I told them he was just nuts and to stay away from him.
Katie Hendrix was also with me that night & repeated the same story. She also told me he had said he was going to bite her titties off. When he left she yelled ‘Did you really kill those 3 boys & he yelled ‘yes’.”—-
Perhaps Mr. Ellington was not referring to Donna Medford- later saying her Daughters lied – as she had two and a niece- perhaps it was the friends mother? Or perhaps another kid that came forward claiming to have overheard?
What I find weird is that Katie Hendrix was never called to the stand- and I can not seem to find a statement given by her- only Donnas statement.
—
cont-
According to Jessica Medford- who was not called to the stand- Damien said he killed the little boys AFTER being asked the question by her cousin.
She also states that her mother, was sitting next to her when this happened.
Heres Jessicas statement:
I was at the girls club about 2 weeks ago. I was sitting with my mom. I heard him say he did kill the 3 boys. My cousin asked him. I heard her voice and turned around. I then heard him say it after she asked him. My cousin Katie Hindrix. And he is Damien, there was another boy with him but I don’t know who it was.—
Heres Jackee’s statement-
Jackee Medford, age 10, stated:
Two weeks ago I herd Damien say that he killed the 3 little boys. We where at the girls club and he was with severl people were around hem. I do not know who all of these people where. I was with my Bestfriend Christi and my sister Jodee.
—
Notice there is no mention of Katie Hendrix or Jessica- and in Donnas statement there is no mention of Jessica or sitting near them- and Katie Hendrix’s breast comment- something I would think all little girls would mention – is not brought up by anyoneelse.
Here is the friends statement:
Christy VanVickle, age 11, stated:
Two weeks ago I was at the Girls Club with Jackee Medford. I passed by and Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin where talking to a bunch of people. He wasn’t talking to me. I heard him say that he killed the three boys. It scared me so I walked away. I didn’t hear him say any thing else. I told my mom what I had heard.
and here is a statement from another girl:
Katie LaFoy stated:
On Tuesday 6-1-93 I heard Damien Echols talking to a bunch of girls, one was a Jody Medford. I heard him say “Yea that I’m going to do it to some more people too.”
I heard some of the group talking about the murders of the boys and that is the reason he made the statement that she heard. I also heard him say that if that person said anything that he knew would get get them too to just see what was coming next. This statement is written by Detective Ridge at my request. Jason Baldwin was with Damien at the Ball Park when Damien made the statement.
—Notice in her statement she says she overhears this conversation going on – and his exact answer to a question- but then seems to imply no direct question was asked……yet her next words are- “that is the reason he made the statement that she heard”— “that she heard”…Well she must be referring to Jodee Medford-right? -
To me in my opinion only these seems like a situation of a bunch of preteens asking the rumor-ladened weird guy if he did it and he taking the opportunity to scare the bejesus out of them.
http://wm3truth.com/damien-echols-brags-at-the-softball-park/
AJMO sorry for all mistakes in spelling/ grammar- rushed today-
cont
argg – so many mistakes- sorry-
sentence should have read perhaps Ellington was *mistakenly* referring to Donna Medford?-
Ellington is an elected Attorney representing the state. This is pure speculation on my part. I have no evidence.
There was a considerable amount of money made available to try and free the three convicted perps in this case. Someone needs to track the election funds for Attorney Ellington. This smells to me.
This is Jodee testimony from the trial-
She says she was alone when she overheard damien and she says she went to tell her mom and Christy was already telling her-no mention of Jackie… who Christy testifies was with her.
She does say that Jessica was there and Katie hendrix but she says they were not with her- She says she had known about him- her friends pointed him out that night ( why? What was said? We all rumors were flying and everyone was ofcourse rightfully scared and on hightened alert. Was DE already getting razzed by others constantly asking him if he did? According to others that came forward and stated that he drukenly confessed ect- they had asked too…perhaps he was dealing with it by scaring them away? or he liked the attention? IDK)
Jodee went on to say she seen things on tv although she did say she saw him on tv one night after, the SBG and told her mom that was who she saw. http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/ebtrial/jmedford.html
Here is Donnas testimony- notice that she says she cant remember anyone coming to talk to her before the car-not Christy- not Jodee not anyone- notice that she also did not call the police at all but instead brought it up to the directer of the girls club- So again I do not feel that she took this “bragging” seriously – and if not then when? it seems only after he Damien was arrested- It seems until then she was comfortable with her mothering insight that it was a bad joke. Certainly a mom after a triple murder occurs KIM unsolved, is behaving like a momma lion-on high alert – some weird looking guy that she immediately notices, says something god awful like that AND says hes wants to kill 2 more AND threatens to bite of her nieces breasts- and she just brushes it off? Why? because her gift of fear did not kick in, she thought it was nothing more than a sick joke or that he daughter heard wrong ect. JMO
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/ebtrial/dmedford.html
Heres Christy’s testimony,she says she was with jackie- so why wasnt Jackie called? IDK
Seems their were alot of dropped balls by both the defense and the prosecution- JMO
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/ebtrial/vanvickle.html
PS- – Before Christys testimony we are privy to a discussion between lawyers ect- Blink- heres the point you made earlier IRT the jury being told not to take into account any of the testimony against Damien- just wanted to let you know-
Thanks
Blink and anyone else in the area.
I just saw a video on TV of the New Hope to Lambertville bridge. The Delaware river is rising. In the video, the water level was about three feet below the top of the banks and six feet below the bottom of the bridge roadway.
I have actually seen it worse a few years ago, it had to have the pilons reinforced. I put some of our computers and drives in protected storage for the storm, or I would post the images.
B
Hi Blink
I dont think that West Memphis has the budget that Little Rock or even Memphis TN has , so that being the case , I think this whole letting them out without so much as an kiss my foot or anything else was purely political, Ellington maybe harboring some political ambition to climb further up the ladder.
And then theres the possible movie deals that will bring added money to that city if the PTB choose to film there.
I know that Grisham’s The Firm did wonders for Memphis financial woes .
I am so hoping this illegal release will come back and bite the deal makers of this preposterous plea deal .
I failed to include Jodee Medfords statement in my August 29, 2011 at 1:06 pm post-
here it is-
Jodee Medford
Rt 1 Box 550
Crawfordsville AR
About 2 weeks ago I was at the Girls Club softball field. And I heard Damien say “I killed the three little boys and before I turn myself in I am going to kill two more and I already have one picked out. I overheard him say this to a group of people when I was walking by him. I don’t know him. I just know of him. And Jason Blawid and his girfriend Heather were standing by him. I was with my sister Jackee and her friend Christi Vanvickle. That was the first time I had ever seen Damien and the next night he was there too.
6/11/93 2:15pm.
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/jodeem2.html
Here she says she was with her sister and with her sisters friend Christie when she overheard him brag about the killings–
Just trying to be thorough thanks all.
Ps Paradise Lost is on HBO today- I am unable to watch as my little one is home and may see or overhear something. From what has been said it is very graphic and discusses disturbing statements ect. Maybe they will replay it soon- at a much later time in the evening-
Yes Mom 3.0, very graphic and your little one definitely would, good choice
B
Well thats strange Blink- my posts are no longer showing in moderation. one from-
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
August 29, 2011 at 12:36 pm
another from:
Mom3.0 says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
August 29, 2011 at 1:06 pm
another:
August 29, 2011 at 1:14 pm
and this one:
August 29, 2011 at 1:59 pm
-
I will repost them if you are unable to find them- I know sometimes things just disappear for no reason.
TIA
I think everything is up, please let me know if I missed anything.
B
“Like I said, I just may FOIA those ex parte minutes, which, I can pretty much guarantee will be lost or sealed via mutual agreement of all parties.
B” http://blinkoncrime.com/2011/08/19/west-memphis-three-damien-echols-and-jason-baldwin-released/#comments
Yes, please do. Or they will never see the light of day. But, with due haste, as I’m pretty sure you are right about relevant parties reading here, and the opportunity may soon be lost into the same abysss as that ice axe.
“Perhaps Mr. Ellington was not referring to Donna Medford- later saying her Daughters lied – as she had two and a niece- perhaps it was the friends mother? Or perhaps another kid that came forward claiming to have overheard?”
Nothing like that is on record. No one ever recanted anything related to the softball park confession. I don’t think it’s even really necessary to discuss whether Echols confessed to the murders that evening. Jason Baldwin admits the confession happened, and Echols says it “might have happened”. The only thing left to discuss is the context and the motivation behind Echols saying that.
So, IMO, there’s not much point dissecting the exact “who was standing where” and “who exactly was by whose side” of the girls’ statements and testimonies. Back in 1993/1994, sure. But not now when Echols says it might have happened and Baldwin has actually gone on record admitting it did happen.
Lucy-
not sure if you caught this earlier, if not, my bad, I am way behind, but could you provide a source link as to the clarification of Medford’s most recent comments you discussed earlier, and Ellington’s “lack of understanding” of them?
TIA
B
Carol
In your reference to the Grisham film “The Firm”, I would like to add IMO the location of the “Firm” was in the wrong city and the wrong state. The right highway for certain.
Mom3.0
Your reference to the “confession” in front of the young girls and the alledged threat to harm one of them by Echols. This guy was trying to get attention by scaring the bejeebers out of them. I have to agree with you, the woman should have immediately notified the police.
It doesn’t matter to me if the guy is 18 or 50 or more. Any male that makes such statements in front of middle school girls is going to get my attention and I would insist on a visit fron LE.
Hi MOM3.0,
I was able this weekend to watch the two segments of Paradise Lost on my computer through HBO-GO. If you go to HBO’s website, you can sign up for HBO-GO and watch it on your computer. It is listed under documentaries. That night after watching both segments, I had nightmares all night long. It was really painful to watch, especially because my own son is that age.
After watching it again, I am again a believer that Byers had something to do with this. For awhile, I thought maybe Dobbs and his friend had something to do with this. But Byers won out again…he is scum. One day Byers has a tumor. Next day he doesn’t. One day he has teeth, next day he doesn’t. One day he believes the WM3 are guilty, the next he doesn’t. It just goes on and on with that warped creep. It was reported he violently beat Christopher many times with a BELT and Chris was naked during most of those beatings. He is such a transparent liar. I can not shake that man out of my head as being the guilty one. All just my opinion. I anxiously await Blinks next article. In the meantime, I am back to where I started.