The West Memphis Series Part II: Guilty By Plea And Have Been Set Free
Jonesboro, AR- In a shocking development, four days following the first installment of the West Memphis Three on www.blinkoncrime.com, on August 19, 2011 Damien Echols, Charles Jason Baldwin and Jessie Miskelley, through an Alford plea, were convicted of three counts of first degree murder following an agreement made by Prosecutor Scott Ellington and their respective defense attorneys for the murders of eight year old boys James Michael Moore, Christopher Byers ( Murray) and Stevie Branch.
Judge David N. Laser agreed to and imposed suspended sentences for time served to Echols, Miskelley and Baldwin; all were released and immediately declared their innocence during the ensuing press conference.
In Part I of our series, we touched briefly on the development of new evidence and possible murder weapon, the blue handled- mountain ice axe, which inexplicably was never presented at trial. It had been admitted into evidence after being retrieved from its owner, following it’s return by Jason Baldwin’s, younger brother Mathew.
Requests to confirm whether or not the ice axe was maintained in evidence at West Memphis Police Department were non-responsive at the time of this publication. Part II continues first with what the jury never heard. A podcast of my interview on the case following the release of the WM3 can be found here.
Premature Illumination
One of the larger points of contention in the murders was the lack of blood evidence at the scene. The lack of blood or blood spatter at the scene with such gruesome injuries spawned the defense theory the ditch was a dump site or secondary crime scene. This was largely due to the fact that the jury would never hear about the results of luminol tests; it was suppressed by motion of the defense In both trials.
Luminol enhanced chemiluminesence (LCL) technology in 1993 was geared toward examining items of evidence in a lab under black light for optimum photographic results, or its secondary application for use in an enclosed environment which can be manually darkened and a portable black light ( we now call this an alternative light source or ALS) brought to the scene.
LCL when sprayed onto a surface containing remnants of blood, or more specifically the iron in blood, will create a glowing reaction when iron, invisible to the naked eye, is present.
In 1993 under Arkansas law, Luminol testing was considered new, novel, and not accepted as scientific evidence.
While the methods for collection, testing and controls have advanced significantly since 1993 and LCL testing is widely used in criminal case work, analysis of the findings in the instant case flatly dispute the notion that there was no blood associated with the crime scene along the ditch bank of Robin Hood Hills.
Contrary to the misconception that there was no evidence of blood at the scene, the results of two consecutive days of luminol tests at the scene were enlightening.
As Kermit Channell and Donald Smith, from the Arkansas crime lab could not bring the “outside in” they were forced to set up shop in the woods along the banks of the ditch. Also present for testing both days were WMPD Detectives Mike Allen, Tony Anderson and Bryn Ridge.
Donald Smith’s report below in it’s entirety below, The other reports can be found here.
STATE CRIME LABORATORY
P.O. Box 5274
Number 3 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72215
REPORT OF LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Investigating Officer / Agency / Address
Sgt. Mike Allen
West Memphis Police Department
100 Court Street
West Memphis, AR 72301
Laboratory Case Number: 93-05717
Date Received in Lab: 05/07/93
How Evidence Received: M E / Matthew Elliott
Agency Case Number:
Suspect (s):
Victim (s):
Steve Edward Branch
Date of Report; 06/10/93
FIELD INVESTIGATION. WEST MEMPHIS TRIPLE HOMICIDE. MAY 12 and
MAY 13. 1993 LUMINOL:
This analyst and Kermit Channell, Serologist responded to request to perform luminol on
a potential crime scene area on May 12, 1993. We left that afternoon, arriving in West
Memphis at approximately 6:30 P.M., proceeding to the Police Department.
Officers Tony Anderson, Brian Ridge, and Mike Allen accompanied Kermit and myself
to a swampy area in the northern edge of West Memphis where the victims were found.
A general survey of the area in the daylight hours was conducted. Approaching darkness
fresh solutions of luminol reagent were prepared. When the area became dark, using
flashlights for light support, the part returned to the area and proceeded to spray and
locate areas of luminol light emission activity, a presumptive test for the presence of
trace quantities of blood. The following observations were noted:
(1) At a trail along a stream bed an approximately 11 foot high bluff overlooking the
stream positive reactions were noted on either side of a tree with more reaction noted to
the right side of the tree, facing the stream bed.
(2) An Area with used plastic sheeting west of the trail and the bluff gave more positive
reactions were noted.
(3) At the west bank of the stream bed, to the right of some trees, an area gave positive
reaction. It was explained by the Police Department that this was where two of the
victims were placed when they were recovered from the stream bed.
(4) In the stream bed, below the described (at one time) water line, positive luminol tests
indicated where one of the victims was found in the water as related by the West
Memphis Police Department.
(5) On the east bank of the stream bed were a pile of sticks and a depression in the soil
where luminol tests showed a concentrated area of positive reaction.
[PAGE 2]
(6) North of this point luminol tests gave positive reaction to a large area of
concentration (described by West Memphis Police Department where the third victims
was placed upon recovery from the water).
(7) North of the point #6 near some tree roots, another large area of concentration of the
luminol reaction was noted.
(8) Trace amounts of positive luminol reaction was noted on the slope west of the area
where two of the victims were recovered and placed. (reference area #3). The areas north
and south of where the third victims had been placed (5) and (6) were unaccountable
known activity by the Memphis Police Department or rescue / recovery operations.
From these areas of noted luminol reactions for the presumptive presence of trace
amounts of blood the following opinion is rendered:
The traces of presumed blood detected along the trail (2), and at the bluff (1), and one the
slope (8) appear to be transfer of blood by the rescue and recovery teams.
Reaction in the areas where the recovered victims were placed is the apparent result of
trace blood transfer from the victims (3) and (6).
The area below the water level on the west side of the stream was accounted as where
trace amounts of the victimís blood diffused into the mud in the stream bed.
The areas (5) and (7) indicate activity prior to recovery of the victims and relate to
activity to the victims when perhaps they were being attacked.
It should be noted that the luminol testing was performed some days after the discovery
of the victims and at least one rainfall had occurred. There were no visible signs or
indication of blood at any of the locations that we investigated.
[PAGE 3]
Upon the group returning that night to the police headquarters Inspector Gitchell and his
staff were advised of our findings. It is our opinion the crime had taken place where the
bodies of the victims were recovered. Inspector Gitchell was further advised of the
inability to document the luminol reaction of the evening because of the light leaks from
stars and the back scattered light from West Memphis. To document the luminescence
Inspector Gitchell was advised that we would have to place tenting over the areas of
interest and to block out all stray light possible.
The luminescence requires near total darkness to document luminol reactions in the open
field.
It was decided that Kermit and I should stay over the next day perform the tests again
and photograph them.
The morning of May 13, Inspector Gitchell provided us with equipment, supplies and
manpower needed to document the areas of positive luminol reaction. A test with plastic
covering over the canvas was erected and photographs were taken of the positive areas
noted of the previous evening again with fresh luminol application.
Because of the limitations due to some light leakage, physical activity in the area
destroying some of the reaction, the weather conditions of some light rain the night
before and the originally low concentration levels in the areas on the bluff (area #1), along
the trail (area #2), where the victims were placed (area #3), and the area in the stream bed
where the body was recovered (area #4) and the area above the recovery area (area #8)
we were not able to document photography as we observed these areas the evening of
May 12.
The tented area over the areas where the victim’s body was placed (#6) and the
questioned area (#5), subdued the light to a degree that a less than perfect photograph
could be obtained. These photographs still documented the areas of interest, showing
luminol reaction in respective areas. These photographs were without the benefit of flash
painting application to reference the areas photographed. A still photo of the questioned
area from the original camera tripod location does reference the questioned area. The
photographs were processed revealing the luminol reaction at areas where the victim was
place (#6) and the questioned area (#5)
[PAGE 4]
The tent was moved and photographs were taken of the questioned area by the tree root (#7). Photographs of the areas (#4, #5 and #6) with surveyor flags mounted were taken to reference those areas tested and photographed. All photographs were left with Inspector Gitchell.
[signed] Donald E. Smith, Criminalist
Soil samples were submitted on May 14, 1993, but for unknown reasons not tested until 4 months later, and did not react to the luminol.
The result was considered inconclusive as it was not likely to detect blood from a four month old soil sample in the first place.
Although the luminol reaction results were not admissible in the trials, for analysis purposes, it tells an irrefutable story. The obvious counter-argument could only be that investigators were new to the technique, some of the initial testing was unable to be photographed, or to any conspiracies, that detectives simply made up results for some purpose.
However, as none of the investigators present had the autopsy results prior to the testing, and most certainly did not have Jessie Miskelley’s “account” to draw from, outside of the known injuries and other more circumstantial evidence in this case, these findings certainly further support there were multiple perpetrators in this crime- and that it all went down right there.
In 1998, Damien Echols filed a Rule 37 hearing for causes of incompetent counsel and due to his “actual innocence.” Jessie Miskelley lost his appeal to overturn his conviction also in 1998, but It was not until 2008 that Baldwin and Miskelley filed their Rule 37 petitions. For purposes of evaluation, I am including affidavits , exhibits and testimony excerpts from some of the expert witnesses at all three hearings and subsequent related appearance spanning from 1998- 2008.
Brent Turvey, of Knowledge Solutions, LLC trained under renowned blood spatter expert Dr. Henry Lee, did not consider any of the luminal reports when hired by Dan Stidham in 1998 for his expert opinion in his representation of Jessie Miskelley requesting a new trial. Turvey’s report found (here) was largely the impetus for future defense experts for all three defendants to “weigh in”.
While Turvey’s work was largely unsupported once his infamous “bitemark” was debunked and he bought into the “Baldwin knife” which has since been abandoned by all subsequent defense experts, as the first guy up at bat so to speak, his testimony demonstrated the burgeoning direction to the CSI Effect the West Memphis Three would take toward their ultimate freedom.
I explore Turvey’s initial observations taken directly from his report, in the beginning of each unique victim’s autopsy segment, followed by updated relevant expert information and my subsequent analysis.
Autopsy By Coroner- Autopsy By Proxy
In the interest of brevity, I intend to focus on the dissenting views of the experts, and I stipulate that in no report that I have reviewed, was there evidence of sodomy or object penetration of any of the boys.
While I believe Dr. Perretti’s prior experience with cases that involved same did form his opinion on the possibility as it relates to some of the injuries, I do not believe that such testimony should have been permitted at trial, nor would it be permitted today.
Memphis Triple Homicide May 5, 1993
James M. Moore #ME-329-93
Steve E. Branch #ME-330-93
Chris M. Byers #ME-331-93
LOCATION: On May 6th, 1993, all three victims were found, bound wrist to ankle with shoe laces, in the water of a drainage ditch, in a heavily wooded area called the Robin Hood hills, behind the Blue Beacon Truck Wash in West Memphis, Arkansas. An equivocal forensic examination of all available crime scene and autopsy photos, crime scene video, investigator’s reports, witness statements, family statements, autopsy reports and numerous other sources to be listed as referenced in the endnote section of this report. The purpose of this preliminary examination was to competently assess the nature of the interactions between the victims and their environments as it contributed to their deaths as indicated by available forensic evidence, and the documentation regarding that evidence.
James M. Moore
James Michael Moore autopsy found here.
The following forensic information is taken directly from the official autopsy report filed by Dr. Frank J. Peretti of the Arkansas State Crime Lab, Medical Examiner Division, dated 5-7-93, Case No. ME-329-93 and/ or from The official coroner’s report filed by Kent Hale, Crittenden County Coroner, dated 5-6-97.
The purpose of this section is not to present an all inclusive, detailed account and explanation of every piece of information in these reports, but rather to explore these reports, with the corresponding photos, for consistency, possible omissions, and to review injuries or patterns that this examiner deemed to be significant to the case.
Wound Pattern Analysis
This victim received more traumatic head injuries than any of the other victims in this case. Dr. Peretti states that defense wounds were present on the victim’s hands. These wounds were very few, indicating that victim was incapacitated quickly after the attack began. So the nature of these head injuries, and the limited defensive type wounds, combine to indicate sudden, forceful, and repeated blows that resulted in abraded contusions, multiple lacerations, and multiple skull fractures.
There is an unexplained directional pattern abrasion just below the victim’s right anterior shoulder area.
This unexplained injury does not correspond with any of the physical evidence collected at the location that victim was discovered. It is furthermore inconsistent with any of the naturally occurring elements that exist in that environment. The best conclusion that this examiner can reach is that this pattern abrasion was created by forceful, directional contact with something that was not found at that crime scene, whether it be a weapon, a surface or something else capable of creating that pattern.
The shoelace ligatures used to restrain this victim did not leave deep furrows, and also did not leave abrasions. This indicates that the victim was not struggling while the ligatures were in place. This indicates further that the victim was very much unconscious when the ligatures were affixed to his wrists and ankles.
We know that the victim drowned, that is to say that hemorrhagic edema fluid was present in the victim’s lungs, indicating that the victim was breathing when he was placed into the 2ft of water in the drainage ditch at Robin Hood Hills.
Together, these facts suggest that the purpose of the ligatures in this victim’s case was to keep the victim from moving around or being able to swim should he regain consciousness once he had been thrown into the water. It is this examiners opinion that the assailant in this case demonstrated all manner of awareness and cognizance at this location. The assailant knew that this victim was not dead when they threw this victim into the water, and that the ligatures would assist to complete the act of deliberate homicide should the victim become conscious.
Lack Of Injuries
When compared to the other two victims in this case, who were found at the same location, bound nude with shoelace ligatures in the same fashion, the most striking discrepancy is the lack of injuries suffered by this victim. In the crime scene and autopsy photos made available to this examiner, there were no readily discernible bite marks visible, the genitals have not been visibly disturbed or molested, and there are no discernible stab wounds. This lack of attention is very telling, and will be discussed in the Offender Characteristics section of this report. There is also, again, a lack of mosquito bites to this victim, which, as mentioned earlier, suggests that he received his injuries elsewhere first. This because the injuries took time to inflict, time during which many mosquito bites would have been received, even after death.
Analysis: I find the statement that he had the least amount of injuries, yet the most severe head injuries in dire conflict, as he died from multiple injuries, and drowning. The fractures to his head and lacerations to his left and front right skull were enough to cause his death within minutes on their own, and there can be no doubt that he received them while he was already unconscious because of the lack of injury at the ligature sites. There is very little hemorrhage involvement with the open lacerations, and all lacerations were abraded; one with a dovetail and upside down L producing an ovid fracture. In Jesse Miskelley’s confessions, he says one of them was moving as he was put in the water while he was leaving. I believe the reason he never mentioned that Michael Moore was beat about the head with an instrument of some kind is because he never saw that. Michael was located in the ditch just below the oak with the exposed root that had the luminol result “shaped like a V”, which would be consistent with him struggling to get out of that water, on that bank, with a cast off or blood spatter pattern consistent with someone beating him toward the bank and in front of that tree.
Mosquito bites: Only females take a blood meal, so that potentially reduces the population by 50%, and at no time will they bite a deceased person. They are attracted mostly by carbon dioxide, released from a breathing person. Both Dr. Haskell and Dr. Goff agreed to this ultimately.
What is further curious to me, is that while Turvey was hired by Miskelley, who confessed at least three times by the date of the generation of this report, does he not note the obvious discrepancy for the placement of Mike Moore upstream, or that he was found on his right side with the left side surfacing when in effect dislodged by Det. Mike Allen. Moore was also hogtied differently, with different knots than the other 2 victims, with ONE black shoelace. There is a reason that Turvey was not given Miskelley’s updated confession following his conviction, and instructed to disprove it; he would not have been able to.
Steven Edward Branch
Stevie Branch autopsy found here.
Wound Pattern Analysis
There are numerous violent, traumatic injuries to this victim’s face and head, as well as numerous superficial scratches, abrasions, and contusions noted throughout the rest of his body. Dr. Peretti, however, does not note the presence of extensive defensive wounds.
This indicates a violent, overpowering attack on this victim that he was unable to put up resistance against. The constellation of wounds are very similar to those inflicted on James Moore, however they are much more intense and include the victim’s face.
This level of attention paid to the victim’s face, in terms of depersonalization and rage, is indicative of familiarity and that will be explored later on in this report.
Furthermore, there is the existence of patterned injuries all over this victim’s face that could be bite marks. Since the ME may have missed this crucial evidence, other areas of his body may show bite mark evidence as well. The autopsy photos of this victim supplied to this examiner were not of sufficient quality to make an absolute determination of any kind, and would require a thorough examination by a qualified forensic odontologist for an informed, conclusive analysis. [note: Dr. Thomas David, board certified forensic odontologist, has confirmed the wound as a human adult bitemark and excluded Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley as the offender using bite impressions obtained from the men in prison] Bite mark evidence is very important in any criminal case because it demonstrates behavior and lends itself to individuation. It can reveal to an examiner who committed the act, because bite marks can be as unique as fingerprints. And, once established, it also reveals the act itself; biting.
Another unidentified pattern compression abrasion can be found on the back of Steve Branch’s head. The source of this injury caused a 3? inch fracture at the base of the skull with multiple extension fractures that terminate in the foramen magnum (that’s the hole at the base of the skull where the spinal cord connects to the brain). Upon close examination, this pattern injury is consistent with compression made from footwear. Again, without better photos supplied to the examiner showing a variety of angles, it’s very difficult to make a positive identification of any kind. But the pattern is consistent with a footwear impression, and would require a footwear impression expert to analyze and make an informed, competent determination.
The shoelace ligatures used to restrain this victim did leave deep furrows, and also did leave patterned abrasions on both the wrists and ankles. This indicates that the victim was struggling while the ligatures were in place. This indicates further that the victim was very much conscious before or after the ligatures were affixed to his wrists and ankles. We know that the victim drowned, that is to say that hemorrhagic edema fluid was present in the victim’s lungs, as well as in the victim’s mouth, indicating that the victim was breathing when he was placed into the 2ft of water in the drainage ditch at Robin Hood Hills.
Together, these facts, again, suggest that the purpose of the ligatures in this victim’s case was to keep the victim from moving around or being able to swim should he regain consciousness once he had been thrown into the water. It is this examiner’s opinion that the assailant in this case demonstrated all manner of awareness and cognizance at this location. The assailant knew that this victim was not dead when they threw this victim into the water, and that the ligatures would assist to complete the act of deliberate homicide should the victim become conscious.
Lack Of Injuries
There is again a lack of evidence to support any sort of strangulation. Dr. Peretti states that his examination of the neck of this victim revealed no injuries, and the photos that this examiner has seen support that conclusion.
Analysis: He missed the wound to Stevie Branch’s penis entirely. While not contained in his formal autopsy report, it was proven during the trial that Dr. Peretti’s colleague was called into evaluate what Turvey was calling “bite marks” and was ruled out. The fact that bite impressions did not match Echols, Baldwin or Miskelley was in no way exculpatory, and I will save you the bite by some animal with a rough tounge report nonsense I had to read .
The 3” fracture at the base of the skull, which “spiderwebbed” into subsequent fractures, also very likely severed his spinal cord, so one must assume this injury was also quite perimortem.
Steve ‘s left face was found to be abraded on the entire left side, and is consistent with someone either stomping on right side of his neck and fracturing it, with an obvious boot print, if the left side of the face was on the ground.
The gouging wounds- likely had to be inflicted following the fracture due to the lack of hemorrhage in comparison to the severity of the wound, and all experts agreed the injury was likely perimortem. So the question becomes- why?
Seems like a very important question, second only to what caused the trauma, based on the constellation of terminal injuries already inflicted on him. Wouldn’t the only thing left to do at that point be to submerge him?
It is my theory- therein lies the problem. Byers was put in the ditch first, and we know he was already deceased, therefore, he sinks. Stevie Branch is placed in the water next to him, and he either begins moving or floats and the suspects thinks he is still alive, and uses an implement to force him into the ditch bottom until he succumbs and stays submerged. I will leave out the specifics of the gouging wound as to why I think that resulted in the usage of the other end of the ice axe on Michael Moore. The luminol result, found in the ditch bed itself, after it was drained, slightly downstream from Byers and Branch, but still upstream from Moore could also support this theory. We know that Byers had already bled out, but Branch was still alive when he was put into the water and the only significant bleeding wound on his person capable of leaving blood evidence in the bottom of the ditch to survive it simply being washed away in the creek, there is a high degree of probability he bled directly into the dirt. He was found face down.
Christopher Byers
Christopher Byers autopsy found here.
It should be noted that this victim’s injuries were the most extensive, most violent, and most overtly sexual of the all the victims in this case. The nature and extent of this victim’s wounds indicate that the assailant spent the most time with this victim.
Additionally, this victim’s toxicology report revealed non-therapeutic levels of carbamazepine in the blood. All of these differences are very important, and will be explored in the later sections of this report.
Wound Pattern Analysis
There are numerous violent, traumatic injuries to this victim’s head, specifically to the base of the skull. There was also evidence of the violent emasculation of the victim’s sex organs, extensive lacerations and bruising to the victim’s buttocks, as well as numerous superficial scratches, abrasions, and contusions noted throughout the rest of his body. Dr. Peretti also noted that there were numerous healed injuries of varying nature on this victim. Dr. Peretti, however, did not note the presence of defensive wounds.
Again, this indicates a violent, overpowering attack on this victim that he was unable to put up resistance against. The general constellation of wounds to this victim is more advanced, more extensive, more overtly sexually oriented and includes the use of a knife.
This knife was used not only to inflict multiple stabbing and cutting injuries to the victim’s inner thighs and genital area, it was used in the emasculation process. There is, unmentioned in either the ME’s or Coroner’s reports, what appears to be a clear impression of the knife handle on the right side of the large gaping defect left behind after the removal of the victims penis, scrotal sac, and testes. This was impression was created when the knife was thrust full length into the victim by the assailant, during the process of emasculation. This indicates forceful, violent thrusts. The nature of this emasculation, as indicated by these wounds, is neither skilled nor practiced. It was a rageful, careless, but purposeful act carried out in anger.
It is the opinion of this examiner that this injury would have resulted in massive, uncontrollable blood-loss, from which the victim could not have survived without immediate medical attention.
It should also be pointed out that the nature of the stab wounds inflicted on the victim’s genital area, separate from those received during the emasculation process, show marked irregular configuration and pulling of the skin. This indicates that either the knife was being twisted as the assailant stabbed the victim, or that the victim was moving as the blade was withdrawn.
The second set of injuries is described as five superficial cutting wounds on the left buttock (pictured on the left in this photo at the right). It should be noted that these injuries are actually lacerations, as indicated by the bridging between the open tissue, and the irregular edges. Both indicators are apparent upon close examination of the photographs. It is the opinion of this examiner that this set of injuries is most consistent with the parental whipping given to Chris Byers by Mark Byers. It is further the opinion of this examiner that after having received this set of injuries, which tore open the skin and would have resulted in some severe bleeding, the victim would have been unable to walk or ride a bicycle without incredible pain and discomfort.
The third set of injuries is the multiple linear superficial interrupted cuts on the right buttock region (pictured in the photo above on the right). These injuries are not consistent with having been made by a belt as they are cuts. The edges are not irregular, and the cuts are interrupted, again indicating movement by the victim or the assailant during the attack.
Furthermore, there is the existence of bruised ovoid compression injuries all over this victim’s inner thigh that could be suction type bite marks. Since the ME may have missed this crucial evidence, other areas of his body may show bite mark evidence as well. The autopsy photos of this victim supplied to this examiner were not of sufficient quality to make an absolute determination of any kind, and would require a thorough examination by a qualified forensic odontologist for an informed, conclusive analysis.
Bite mark evidence is very important in any criminal case because it demonstrates behavior and lends itself to individuation. It can reveal to an examiner who committed the act, because bite marks can be as unique as fingerprints and positively identify a suspect. And, once established, it also reveals the act itself; biting. The shoelace ligatures used to restrain this victim did leave deep furrows, and also did leave patterned abrasions on both the wrists and ankles. This indicates that the victim was struggling while the ligatures were in place. This indicates further that the victim was very much conscious before or after the ligatures were affixed to his wrists and ankles.
We know that this victim did not drown, that is to say that no hemorrhagic edema fluid was present in the victim’s lungs, or well in the victim’s mouth. This indicates that the victim was already dead when he was placed into the 2? ft of water in the drainage ditch at Robin Hood Hills. This is, again, very different from the other two victims in this case.
Dr. Richard Souviron forensic odontologist: all mutilation is peri and post mortem, no knife was used.
On a final note, Mr. Hale states in his supplemental report on Chris Byers that there is a stab wound on his head. This is actually incorrect, and rectified by Dr. Peretti who states in his autopsy report of Chris Byers that the same injury is a 1¼-inch laceration to the left parietal scalp.
There is also, again, a lack of mosquito bites to this victim, which, as mentioned earlier, suggests that he received his injuries elsewhere first. This because the injuries took time to inflict, time during which many mosquito bites would have been received, even after death.
Additionally, unlike Steve Branch, there is no overkill present in this victim’s face. That is to say that this is another of the marked differences between the killings of Steve Branch and Chris Byers which is very important to note, and which will be explored more thoroughly in this report.
Recommendations
It is apparent from the physical evidence in this case that Chris M. Byers was attacked with sudden, violent force from which he defended himself in only a limited fashion. It appears as though this attack took place, at least in part, while his cloths were off and while the shoelace ligatures restrained him. He was sexually assaulted (an assault of a sexual nature, to areas of the body considered to be sexual, that does not include sexual penetration), and associated stab wounds indicate that he may have been conscious during several phases of the attack.
Analysis: How does he miss that the dosage of (car) was sub therapeutic, meaning below the level at which he was described and confuse it as non-therapeutic, in his estimation, as a possible means to subdue him. He completely missed the fact that it is likely that the level, found in his blood, was greatly reduced because there was very little blood volume left in his body. AND, it was a prescribed medication. Turvey does not mention the other factors that support Byers died first, and he died quickly and violently. While he did have stomach contents, he did not have any urine in his blatter and there was substantative evidence his bowels had evacuated at the scene, commonly a result of an immediate violent death.
Consensus or Conundrum- Depends Who You Ask
Regardless of which expert one believes, within the confines of each report, is the absence of the belief with any certainty that the “Baldwin” serrated knife was used. What they all agree on, is that the gouging injuries to Branch and Byers were very similar. They all agree that there was evidence of blunt force trauma, significant curvilinear fractures, what is commonly referred to in Forensic Pathology today as “chop wounds”, other sharp force trauma.
Thoughts onPost Mortem Animal Predation
I agree it is possible that snapping turtles could have caused what looks to be possible claw marks and at least one possible bite mark. I am emphasizing possible because I don’t think one can rule out animal predation 100%
Bryn Ridge himself testified he has seen snapping turtles in that area, some time ago. That said, there was not so much as a crawfish found in that creek as it was being pumped out, and that included a screen.
Dr. Spitz went as far as to suggest that somehow a carnivore of some kind was the cause of the animal predation although all oter evidence suggests that the boys were completely submerged, as well as their clothing, and there was obviously no animal tracks or other artifacts at the scene that would make that theory sound anything remotely believable. Thankfully, he stopped short of suggesting that a new breed of homicidal carnivores with a cleaner crew who could walk upright was responsible.
Fortunately I Dressed For Bushwhacking
Starting with one of the most important parts of the autopsy evidence, is the very fact that detectives knew VERY LITTLE about it outside of the cause of death, until late May at the earliest. So little in fact, that Gary Gitchell, Lead Investigator, wrote a list of follow up questions to the crime lab on May 26. (need link here)
Frank J. Peretti, MD preformed all three autopsies on May 7, 1993, and filed reports on May 10th for cause of death only. Those causes of death btw, were all listed as homicide by multiple injuries, period. Nobody knew that two boys died from drowning, and not all three. This is particularly concerning because the first conversation that Steve Jones and Det Sudbury had with Damien Echols was on May 7th prior to autopsy and in his subsequent interview with Det Bryn Ridge on May 10, when asked by Ridge how he knew about that, Echols told Ridge that Jones told HIM that whoever did this “urinated” in the mouths of the boys.
Urine was found in the stomachs of 2 of the victims, but that information was given by phone only to Gitchell, and not before May 16th, 1993. There is no possible way Damien Echols could have had case- specific information unless he was there or knew someone that was that told him what occurred, as the detective interviewing him at the time was clueless to that fact during the interview.
There are certainly many statements by both Echols and Miskelley prior to arrest that indicate they had prior knowledge of the murders, but I have been able to ride the see saw on those for the most part, like many.
The fact that Echols knew that there was urine in the stomachs of two victims, when it was intentionally ommitted from the report can only mean he was there, or knew someone who was, and in my opinion, both.
To be continued, West Memphis Three Part III
Sources:
Crime lab Index: http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/img/crimelab.html
Chris Byers autopsy:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/autcb.html
Michael Moore:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/autmm.html
Stevie Branch:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/autsb.html
Turvey Report: http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/b_turvey_profile.html
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The supporters of WM3 are set on the fact that Terry Hobb’s hair was found in the ligature of one of the boys. They also say that there is no physical evidence connecting the WM3 to the crime. The post on this website contradicts the point that there was no physical evidence.
http://www.arktimes.com/RockCandy/archives/2011/08/24/thursday-to-do-west-memphis-three-past-present-and-future
This suggests that there were 3 hairs similar to Echols at the scene. It also states that a spot of blood on Misskelley’s tee shirt was similar to blood of Michael Moore. It states that blood found on a necklace of Echol’s was similar to Stevie Branch’s.
Is this evidence true? Like I said, everywhere I look states that there was no physical evidence linking the WM3.
@Liz, I’m right with you. I’m so sick of supporters regurgitating “there is no physical evidence tying the three to the crime”. There is absolutely physical evidence pointing towards them. I wish these supporters would do their own research instead of just accepting what they’ve been told by celebrities, documentary makers and authors. They have twisted everything and made these child murderers into heroes. You all should go on Facebook to Damien’s wall and read what people are writing. It is just nauseating. They seem to be practically worshiping these murderers. It’s unbelievable!
Lisa Allen says:
September 14, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Well, Blink, you may not want to watch “Paradise Lost 3 Purgatory” then. I just read an article on it that says it will basically tell who the real killer is…Terry Hobbs! I’m going insane with how far these lies keep going! Blink, please tell me your next two parts are going to completely blow this thing out of the water with overwhelming evidence that the WM3 are guilty. No pressure or anything, but this nonsense has got to stop!
You mean the same way they tried to tell us the real killer was Mark Byers in part two lol ?
“vicki says:
September 15, 2011 at 2:36 am
The top photo is the victims pic.
the pic on the bottom is someone to show proof
that rebar couldn`t make the impression like on the victim.
http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/7da36ca057710965d31f9b517ae542cc0b1de2ae.pjpg
correct, nice find. Note the raised red “x” because the blood goes to the elevation.
B”
I missed something; why was this thought to be a rebar mark? Was there rebar at the site?
The image does reinforce Blink’s point about the “reverse” impression. However, the size in the diagram is not conclusive. Rebar comes in different sizes–typically down to 3/8 inch.
lizzy- this is showing as approved, I am just going through all posts of yours in every status, to see what the issue might be, but your link is here and it was approved, let me know if you see this.
B
@ Liz (NY)- I found that article to be very intuitive. I wish more of the evidence against the three had been made public over the years. Thanks to Blink for bringing it out. In the past, I always relied on the media and Paradise Lost Prt.1, which we now know left ALOT out of the story. Thanks for posting the link to the arktimes.
at first thought ,when i read about the gouge wound next to the skinned and cut penis,i could picture the beak of the ice axe ,indirectly,gouging the groin, as the person is actually trying to use the bladed teeth to cut or chop.
Blink i red a lot about this case in the web and for me the analysis you did is the very best one i ever red until now. You go behind all facts and your explanations are logical and explicit, you question everything.
hello guys- sorry to leave the conversation abruptly- Back to school inevitably means one of the kids is going to get sick…and this year is no different. I was on mommyduty /nurse detail.
I have alot of catching up to do so be warned.
mjh- Glad to see you are here and still with me. I just love Kermit D Frog- such an awesome singer/songwriter. Have you heard the rainbow connection? Masterpiece.
Morgan- hi. I do not think you or anyone should feel bad for looking at the parents and family members as potential perpetrators.
Logically, IME, that is where any murder investigation begins.
Whether one believes the 3 are innocent, or if they believe them to be guilty -or if one is truly seeking only the truth, and comes into this case with no preconceived leanings- the fact of the matter is in every child abduction/or murder a childs immediate family is questioned thoroughly and eliminated as the perpetrator/s-
I do not understand why some seem hell bent on making this search for truth- about taking sides- youre either with us or against us type of mentality-
We are all on the same side trying to figure out what happened.
We have the “supporters” in one corner and the “nons” in the other corner and ofcourse their are the dreaded celebrities who happen to mostly be on the “supporters” side -
It seems Neither side shall debate an issue without mudslinging and name calling-
The Gods honest truth is that each person is on the side of these little boys and each believes strongly that justice was not served for them.
I think it is admirable that all types of people, even celebrities have tried to figure out what happened to these poor little boys, and tried to help Lady Justice.
Since I am walking in the middle it is clear to me that each person can look at the same evidence, testimony ect and come to entirely different conclusions.
If I end up on the “supporter” side are all of you suddenly going to start comparing me to big mouth Maines or deep pocketed Vedder? Am I going to be just another ill informed idiot? Well I know that isnt true because you have all been privy to my research and my thought processes- and to my reading of each and everyone of your posts…
The truth as far as I can see it right now, is that LE and the prosecution and the defense made such horrible blunders losing evidence, not following up on questioning and different avenues, not taking proper measurements/pics- contaminating the scene- jumping to conclusions-
* about it being ritualistic
* about Misskellys iq
* about the lake knife
* about DE being the only one that could do this
ect ect ect that nomatter what side you are one- the court proceedings and the investigation leaves such glaring holes that there is no choice but to question and research and wonder.
Seeing how I am a fence sitter- I have not formulated an opinion on the parents, except to say- it seems that LE did not take a hard look at family members or close friends ect in the beginning- working out from that circle- once the boys were found murdered. So it is only a natural progression of ones research that they take a look at everyone not just the 3 that were charged and sentenced.
I do not think you have to be a “supporter” to wonder about the DNA found or the families make-up, and the allegations of molestation/childabuse, nor the drug abuse, or any of the rest.
For me LE did a poor job of actually thoroughly clearing each “other” possible perp- family members, Mr. Bojangles, the child molesters in the area, the truckers, ect ect- that LE in the long run, did a very big disservice to these family members and to little Michael, Stevie and Chris, and to Lady justice herself- because 18 years have gone by and anyone that takes a hard look at this case HAS to begin by questioning whether or not Bojangles or Mom, Dad, brother, friend, neighbor ect may have had the means, motive and opportunity to carry out these horrible murders.
Morgan- thank you for bringing up Mr Hobbs conversation regarding those alleged pics of DE. I am right now, going to have to file that in the substantiated rumor file- and disregard it for now- thanks for trying to prove it out. I will not forget it though.
AJMO
*unsubstantiated
Bam<<<<<<<<<
Lookin under my couch to see what else might be under there WITH part 3…… I just love love love Blink's sense of humor so much!!!!
Love to you all!
Testing
Blink, do I have anything in moderation?
Maybe I’m out of line, but isn’t it rude to keep demanding more from someone who’s already going beyond the call of duty?
I know we’re all anxious for part 3, but has Blink ever failed us? She needs a personal assistant, yes, but God bless her for doing the best she can with what she got.
Blink, where’s the stinkin 3rd part already?
Kidding! Great job, mofo! <—-I KNOW she wasnt expecting that
About Geraldo. He is all about being sensational. The facts and checking them are foreign to his makeup. He has a law degree, but doesn’t practice law. He has more fun making himself feel important and controversial on TV. He often takes a side of an issue that is opposite that of common sense.
The center mark on the cuts at the side of the face could be from the screw that mounts the bottom point assembly on the ice axe. These are replaceable on a large number of axes. This is a steel part that is stamped in a press and then sharpened. It is attached with a screw or small hexhead metal screw. These hexhead screws often have a slot for a screwdriver blade or two slots to accommodate a phillips head screwdriver. This is the part that contacts the snow or soil/rock when used for walking.
If a proper investigation of the axe had been made, there may have been be a match made to the mark.
Mom 3.0- We would never consider you an “ill informed idiot”,you are way too wise for that.I love that you bring up valid points and don’t “just believe” because the rest of the pack leans that way. And I especially love how you are polite and don’t resort to name calling. When “newbies” just show up and start raisin cain, it’s obvious they are not about truth and justice. It makes you wonder just who they are. Keep us thinking, we love you here!
What is a rebar?
How can injuries that match an ice pick be discarded, literally? This is more than d*mning and ,imo, we need to keep the ice pick in the pic.
LOL
Don’t you follow comments?
Maybe it is under your couch.
Point taken on the assistant.
Working on it this is a rough gig.
mayhem says:
September 15, 2011 at 4:09 pm
Blink, do I have anything in moderation?
Im wondering the same thing, since the comment I made this morning says its still waiting and several others have been posted since then
I read them all (comments). Can’t find the exact comment about the rebar…to bar again?
I hope this doesn’t mean we broke up? (as my son would put it). Socks are under my couch….and take your time.
Lol.
Ragdoll I was wing-manning you.
You know you get me. Teehee
I meant to post this thought with the last post:
if I become a believer in the 3′s undoubted guilt, will the other fencesitters here call me a follower and a “non”-
Susanm- Hello thanks for taking the time to respond to my post. I appreciate it.
I can not find anywhere in Jesse’s first confession any mention of Damien in the background saying ” no tell him girls”
here is a link to the 1st confession:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/jmjune1.html
Here is the statement about the initial call:
RIDGE: Witnessed by Michael Wayne Allen and myself, Det. Bryn Ridge.
Okay, Jessie, let’s go straight to that date, 05/05/93, Wednesday, early in the morning. You received a phone call is that correct?
JESSIE: Yes, I did
RIDGE: And who made that phone call?
JESSIE: Jason Baldwin
RIDGE: Alright, what occurred, what did he talk about?
JESSIE: He called me and asked me if I could go to West Memphis with him and I told him, no, I had to work and stuff. He told me that he had to go to West Memphis so, him and Damian with and then I went with them.
RIDGE: Alright, when?
JESSIE: Wednesday
RIDGE: Alright, when did you go with them?
JESSIE: That morning
RIDGE: 9 o’clock in the morning?
JESSIE: Yes, I did. I went with them and then
GITCHELL: Now, where you in a car? Whose car where you all in?
JESSIE: We walked
____
On Feb 4th JM said this ITR the phone call:
snipped:
Jessie advised he had received a call from Jason Baldwin asking him if he wanted to go to West Memphis to “get some girls.”
In the Feb statement he says this IRT the phone call: (pp)snipped-
Stidman;
I understand you received a call, when?
JM
- On a Monday-
S- On Mon before the Wed?
JM yes
s-What time?
JM- about 6 o clock pm
S- Is that when he said something about going to find some girls or something of that nature?
JM-yes wanted to know if I wanted to go to WMephis with them to find some girls.
S- Did any make suggestion about hurting boys or killing boys at that time?
JM- No
Then on pg 13 He again states the call mentioned finding girls not finding boys or hurting/killing boys.
On page 24 he mentions asking Jason about the girls; Where we gonna find them girls?- JB answers were just gonna walk around and look.
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/img2/jm_2_8_94_statement.html
Susanm- maybe I am missing it or maybe it is in a different interview can you link to that info please?
You wrote:
mom3.0,i am referring to the first confession where jessie originally says we gonna go find boys, damien says in the background “no tell him girls”,—i didnt say that i believed jessie is telling the truth ,about the phone call, the phone conversation may have gone the way he says or not, or there might not have been a phone call at all,i am saying that imo it could be possible that the areas of his confessions that seemingly go off track or cause pause or are actually wrong or not quite in line w/ the evidence,or change from the previous confession ,are interestingly enough ,areas where jessie very well could be –and a pattern is showing that,imo —,he fudges imo, the details ,to lessen his participation___
susanm, I do agree that he could be trying to lessen his hands on participation – and he could have been there and he could have been telling the truth on certain aspects- but IMO he has flat out lied and changed details even important details over and over again so I do not think anyone should take anything he says as a fact because the Truth is -he could be lying about EVERYTHING
I know most here dont think so- and most think he had nothing to gain with lying in his later statements, but that just isnt true IMO-
He was on his way to the big house -Big boys prison FOR LIFE- The prosecution and LE were done with him- he had been found guilty-
There was no reason for them to be nice to JM anymore or cordial- but before he gives this statement- he gets hamburgers and cokes- things he will never again be able to have- he gets to sit in a room not in his prison cell- he also will most likely get to talk to his dad again before he is sent to the big house- …or at least he thinks so.
The fact is, he had nothing to lose in his mind anymore by confessing to another BS story – he was already a lost cause found guilty- so confessing this time and postponing the inevitable, and incorporating confessed this time based in as much “facts” that he could remember from trial and rumors and photos ect- was no big thing-
He DID have everything to gain – a few extra precious moments away from the rest of his life in prison-and some goodbyes to hamburgers and cokes and his dad. AJMO
–susanm you wrote;
whether or not the phone call happened, the ‘FACT’ that he changed the story of the phone call from the first confession where he mentions -boys-,to where he leaves it out on every other confession ,could mean a myriad of things,—-
I cant speak to the “fact” that he changed this, – as I was unable to locate this snip- I am hoping youll point it out.
However,JM says alot of things in his first confession that he leaves out in later statements- eating dogs and boiling them in wash tubs is one that jumps out at me- the rope ect I dont think any of the missed details or newly “remembered” details mean any thing in particular- other than JM is a guy that likes to make up stories and exaggerate and he only needs a little prompting to think of something different. -That is not to say that he is lying on every detail- but the sad truth, IMO is—- we just cant know what are lies and where he got the truth.-
We just dont know where he got this info from which seems to point toward actual facts- Did he get it from the NP? from LE questioning before the taping? from LE in the car ride? from the trial? from his lawyers? IMO there is no way to tell- cause the things that would definitely mean to me that he was there is getting the map right- which he didnt- getting the times right -which he didnt- getting the clothes right -which he didnt – mentioning the ax or the stick or the little star- or the missing underwear- or the shoes- or supplying some sort of evidence of his being there- or mentioning something that know one knew about- ever-
susanm-You wrote
imo,And yes ,to lessen any past, current or future ,true or rumored ‘homo’ notion, after all the penis of a little boy was cut.___
There is no homosexual undertones to a crime of male on male molestation or pedophilia anymore so is than there are lesbian tendencies in a crime of pedophilia when a woman abuses or molests a female child. Think little sandra cantu case-
A pedofile does not seek out a victim based on the sex of the child- they seek out the victim based upon the age of the child- a molester does not seek out a certain gender either- they seek out a child that can be overpowered and manipilated- and silenced-
a pedo or a molester could be an otherwise heterosexual male or female with an adult relationship with the opposite sex.
Much like the crime of rape, pedophilia is not necessarily a crime of sex it is a crime of control and power-
I realize that the poor little angel was castrated susanm, but I do not think that points undoubtedly to an act of a sexual nature nor to one of a homosexual aspect- but to one of rage- violence and possibly self loathing or revenge.
AJMO Sorry for the length
Something I am wondering, Carbamazepine is used for epilepsy, nerve pain, or as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. Why would Christopher Byers have been on that? I thought he was supposed to me on Ritilan. Carbamazepine is not Ritilan. It is however a drug that a teen with psychotic tedencies might be on. Any thoughts? Sorry if this has been mentioned before. Here is a link:
http://www.drugs.com/carbamazepine.html
Still trying to catch up- Angellica, I so appreciate your response thank you kindly
Aaron, I realize that our many posts discussing the ice ax seem redundant and yes we know they HAD one in evidence- but despite Blinks brilliant work and her attempt at finding the exact ax and then comparing the wounds to the blade of one she thinks is a match- the truth is- because we do not know exactly what type of ax it was, or whether or not it had lots of teeth or slight teeth- or a broken tooth or a bent one… or a grip, or an attached string or a handle ect- NO ONE can say that the ice ax that Jason had was the murder weapon- we can speculate, we can make educated guesses, but we cant know because LE did not measure- did not provide close-ups or clear photos ect… and they did not ask all the right questions of the ex owners or Jb or his brother ect. So as much as you hate it- I think there might be more ice ax posts.
Just scroll on by, its allowed…
TGF thanks for weighing in-
Grace in the hills glad youre around- I look forward to hearing from ya..
Bam nice to see you.
Thanks to everyone for continuing the conversation- very informative posts and points.
AJMO
MOM3.0
Mom3.0 says:
September 15, 2011 at 3:13 pm
What Angellica says, doubled!!
Angellica says:
September 15, 2011 at 4:19 pm
Mom 3.0- We would never consider you an “ill informed idiot”,you are way too wise for that.I love that you bring up valid points and don’t “just believe” because the rest of the pack leans that way. And I especially love how you are polite and don’t resort to name calling. When “newbies” just show up and start raisin cain, it’s obvious they are not about truth and justice. It makes you wonder just who they are. Keep us thinking, we love you here!
_______________________
I’d only add that I could have sworn on a stack of Bibles that Byers was the perp, and but for a few minor details (okay, not so minor perhaps) I still would!
As for motherhood ladies, tell me, should I allow my near 11 year old to wear lip gloss or not? lol
Ragdoll—Reba is reinforcing steel –structures holding the concrete in compression.You see it sometime on construction sites (i think)lol
anyway it was a theory the SUPPORTERS came up with but its all BS!
Ragdoll
Rebar is a short form name of reinforcing steel placed in a concrete pour for strength.
It is round with some raised portions to form a way for concrete to attach itself to the steel. The pattern forms an X. It comes in sizes beginning at 1/4″ dia. and increases in 1/8″ increments all the way to 2″ and more. Large concrete structures have large diameter rebar and requires someone to calculate the total strength of the reinforced mass.
Go to a large big box home improvement store and find the section where cement and concrete mix are displayed. These stores will have rebar beginning at 3/8″ dia. and 2′ thru 20′ lengths.
We will teach you how to pour concrete in due time. LOL
A 2′ section of 1/2″ rebar makes a very effective weapon.
Blinks part 3 isn’t under the couch. The possum from the WM creek area slipped in and ate it for dinner.
That concept is about as factual as the so-called experts who reported animal bites on the bodies of the three boys. I would like to take each one and have them sit with me along that creek with nightvision and record what animals actually feed along and in the creek. Of course some would require a two hour course on what these animals look like and how they feed.
ROTFLMBO at wing manning!
I know you know I know (you have NO IDEA how grateful I am i don’t have to ‘splain)….Maverick. -Goose-
Just don’t lose that lovin feeling.
MOM3.0
I am sorry your child was ill. So many germs in a school and so many get transferred by poor habits.
I have to put a big B in the blank spot of your avatar er blanket for your post #6 3:13 P.M.
This is very much like a doctor looking for an illness based on known observations or an electronics person looking for the cause of a malfunction in hardware or software. Those of us who are old enough can remember Sgt. Joe Friday from the TV Show in the 1950′s where all he wanted is “just the facts mam”.
Sometimes it depends on how much real knowledge we have regarding a subject that gives us an idea of what is going on or what really happened. People with little real knowledge often jump to erroneous conclusions from ignorance. Some think ignorance is the same is dumb or stupid. Of course it isn’t. It is just lack of knowledge.
We can agree with all the things you list that were not covered in the investigation. In regards to the diamond pattern found on one of the wound areas, the cause could very well be the transfer of a boot sole pattern from one of the combat boots. Since we don’t have any photos or paper patterns for the boots, we can only speculate.
Blinks experience with cold cases has taught her how to look for things that are beyond the knowledge of small town detectives and attorneys working as County or City District Attorneys. In addition, she has continued to educate herself in the area of forensics.
For some people, it is enough to get all excited about an idea and decide that they are right. When others with more critical thinking question this sillyness, the only thing they have is an attack on the more critical thinker.
It reminds me of a time when we were searching for a quality lubricant to prevent pumps that were pumping methanol from seizing in the winter cold. We happend to be in the office of the head purchasing agent who had gathered some information about various products. One of his buyers came into the room, listened to some of what we were discussing and commented “Exxon is best”. When asked why, he replied he liked it to lubricate his car engine.
I think we have a case of “Exxon is best” with the wealthy contributors that set about to get the convicted out of jail.
hehehe….I’m just wondering what’s going on in the blogs & forums that theorized that mark came from rebar. Roh? Wha?
Manhole theory shot all to Hiz ELL. Threads stopped dead. Can’t blame it on the raccoons this time. ~wink wink~
I guess I’ll go scouting around. Don’t mind me, I’m just killin’ time waiting on Part III. Being patient. Cleaning glasses for optimum reading. Rock on.
Given what I know so far regarding these murders, I could not, in good conscience, convict these three of this crime. I definitely could not give Damien Echols the death penalty.
I understand the ice axe appears to be the possible murder weapon, and I am sure this type of weapon must match the wounds. But, without any evidence (DNA material, which I think would surely be present if this weapon was used), I cannot say that this was the exact weapon used in the murders. The timing of the ice axe, if true, is definitely interesting, but still not proof of it being used in this crime.
I have to wonder how popular ice axes or other similar weapons were in this area at the time. Was it very rare to find them, or did lots of people have them? I just don’t know.
If we are going by Jessie’s confession as being the truth:
Jessie, in his confession(s) said that Jason had a knife. He specifically said that Jason showed him the knife, and he described it. He never mentioned anything about an ice axe. He did talk about the swinging action, which does stand out. But, I would think that if Jason showed him the weapon, as he said, he would know it was not a knife. Ice axes are not small. Where would Jason be hiding it the whole time? It would not be easily hidden, and in my opinion, it would have stood out more than anything.
Jessie also stated that Damien did not have a knife, or any weapon other than a stick.
Damien, when questioned, did mention that they should look for candles at the scene, if they were thinking it was some kind of Satanic thing. He also said they should look for stones and some type of crystals. Were these items found at the crime scene? As far as the blue wax on one of the boys’ shirts, did they ever check to see if there were, by chance, any blue candles in the children’s homes?
Jessie, in his confession(s) never mentioned anything about candles at the crime scene. They were carrying beer and whiskey and a big ole stick. Who had the candles? Where was the ice axe?
Also, one thing I really don’t understand is, if Jason was the one in possession of an ice axe, and Jason was the only one who Jessie mentioned having and showing him a knife, and Jason did all the “cutting”, then Jason would be the one who caused the most damage; why was Damien the one sitting on death row?
I know everyone keeps pointing to Damien’s past. It is obvious that he did have some problems. But, at this point, I am not convinced that he abused animals. It seems to me that this was just something another kid said. Since so many people in this case seem to have no problem with lying and making up stories, it is hard for me to take this as fact. From other things I’ve read, he apparently found a dog’s skull, and he put it in his room. Weird, maybe; but, not proof of animal abuse.
I am a fan of John Douglas, and although there are some parts of his profile on this case that I might question, I still agree that whoever did this likely knew these boys. I can’t get past that, for some reason.
This brings me to Christopher Morgan. He knew the boys, and he left for California soon after the murders, with Brian Holland. Morgan did not tell his sister he was coming (it was a “surprise”), he and Holland both failed polygraphs. Morgan went with Bobby DeAngelo to the Hobbs’ residence soon after the boys were discovered.
Morgan used to drive an ice cream truck and had met all three boys. One of the boys lived right down the street from his parents’ house. One of the boys lived next door to his friend, Lisa, and another lived across the street from her.
He said he went over to Stevie’s house after the murders to show “remorse”. After failing the polygraph, Morgan paced around the room and covered the cameras with tissues. He became hostile and said he was sick of people accusing him of the killings. He said maybe he freaked out, blacked out, and killed the three little boys, etc.
He also seemed to have some sexual orientation problems, and he stated that “Holland had nothing to do with this” (??)
Bobby DeAngelo:
He was said to be a little slow. His parents were friends with the Hobbs at one time. He apparently asked for a picture of Stevie. He said Stevie was like “a little brother” to him. He stayed with the Morgan’s two houses down from the Hobbs’. He went to the Hobbs’ house to visit soon after the murders, with Morgan.
“THE DAY THAT BOBBY VISITED THE HOBB’S HE TOLD MR. MORGAN THAT THE BOYS WERE MUTILATED, CASTRATED AND STABBED WITH A SMALL KNIFE. I CHECKED WITH MR. HOBBS AND HE STATED THAT HE SAID NOTHING ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE BOYS.”
From Ridge notes on Bobby DeAngelo, 5/15/93:
“Could have been a serial killer or someone who was sexually abnormal”
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/robertd_report.html
Apparently, these guys were cleared. How or why, I don’t know. Maybe they had alibis that checked out. But, personally, I would want to look more closely at them. When I read about them, I get flashbacks of the Jeffrey Curley case.
In my mind, there are other potential suspects in this case. I am still unable to rule out Terry Hobbs or Mark Byers, as this appeared to be a “punishment” type of crime.
I am also still unsure about Christopher Morgan and Bobby DeAngelo, although they may have been cleared by some means that I am unaware of.
I still have to question the Bojangles guy, and what part, if any, he played in this, and I still don’t know who the three males seen by Michael Moore’s sister coming out of the woods that night were.
Without direct physical evidence connecting the WM3, and because there are other people who could be responsible for these murders, I have too much doubt. I can honestly say that I, personally, could not find these three guilty of these murders at this time.
Oh, and one more thing…
Since we are discussing the X pattern and the soles of shoes/boots, I couldn’t help but notice the sole of Morgan’s shoe in this photo:
http://callahan.8k.com/images2/morgan_holland/cm_photos/morgan_photo_07.JPG
@mjh, interesting theories that I didn’t know about it. Is concerning because he left town right after the murders. That along with other stuff you mentioned about him. Failed polygraph too? Is this guy still alive? Can they track him down again? Sounds very suspicious. Not sure why WMPD didn’t consider him as suspect, especially after failing the polygraph!
Blink, what is your opinion on this?
@ A Texas Grandfather says:
September 15, 2011 at 10:14 pm
ATG, bless your heart and thank you. Seriously, the word, to me, came out of no where. Maybe I didn’t look hard enough, but I couldn’t find a definition in the comments. Mind you, I was down with the worst flu I have ever experienced.
Love to you, my sweet friendie….and stay healthy friendies. Hearts and hearts full of love <3
@ vicki says:
September 15, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Thank you for taking the time to explain. Next time we pour concrete, I’ll be thinking of you guys!
This one actually gives you a better idea:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/img2/c_morgan_shoeprints.html
@mjh – thank you for sharing your thoughts both now and your previous post to me. I wanted to tell you that I was a fence sitter a few weeks back. There were several posts about Jessie’s confession and the possibility that he was mentally retarded. I spent time reading his confessions and really thinking about why he would admit both prior and after conviction to participating. I am sure you have done the same as it just doesn’t make sense. I also thought about Jessie’s mental abilities.
IMO, Jessie was wasted that night, and does not remember everything correctly. I do wonder if it was common for him to drink whiskey, or that much whiskey, or if he was knowingly getting slammed because he knew they were going to do something wrong that night. I do not think Jessie is mentally retarded, but I think he was the type of person who missed details, non verbal langauge, gestures, etc. It would not surprise me a bit If he didn’t know of the details, who had what weapons, etc. I dont think Jessie is a detailed oriented guy, and certainly not when he is drunk. He was hiding initially when the boys were approaching and I think this is why there is so much confusion on his part about the direction the boys came from, etc. I believe Jessie has a sense of right and wrong, and that he would have stopped the madness had he been thinking more clearly. I think that is why he confessed.
I realize that my opinions do not a conviction make! I do think the jury heard adequate circumstantial evidence and do think these guys were involved. I also think other people could be involved in some degree or manner and your comments about morgan and holland leave me with more to think about.
Mostly, I wanted to thank you for sharing your insights.
@mjh, I also meant to say somrthing about your comments regarding Jason’s degree of harm vs. Damien’s actions and their sentences. When I was reading Domini Teer’s statment (linked below), I was definitely getting a read that Jason was a leader among this group because they waited all day for him to show up and then when he did, they supposedly followed him to his uncles and watched him mow a lawn. Now, these are Domini’s words, but it struck me when I was reading them that Jason had some kind of power or influence, as it seems as though they were idle and waiting for him.
It bothered me to read to read that Jason’s mother was chasing the cops away, or very angry that they would question her child (sorry no link, but it appears in someones statement on Callahan docs). It made me think that she may have defended, propped Jason up a bit too much in his life and that he could feel invincible or emboldened him to get away with stuff, if his mother often rescued him from those who claimed he might be doing wrong. It is a possibility, but nothing other than speculation on my part.
How that relates to him having the power with his peers though? Did he have more confidence, more money, more ability to get things done? Or did he have the weapons they planned to use? Why did they hang out all day doing nothing, waiting for him?
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/domit.html
Morgan- I appreciate you saying so thanks.
TGF- thanks for caring about my kiddie. Germs are the pits for sure.
I agree that that pattern could have been made from a great many things- but the one on the leg seems to be a definite shape take a look at the end- see how it kind of moves out- it is wider than the other end? That has me baffled- if it was small- I could see it coming from a blade that broke off a swiss army knife…but I think it is too long…
Oh how I wish LE wold have taken better pics ect.
MJH I havent gotten to any of those people yet- thanks for bringing that up. Very interesting. It is amazing to me how many other people seemed to know so much about these crimes but they were cleared- doesnt that seem to prove that rumors were circulating with specific true details?
I have read about James K Martin he was a child molester that abused his srep children -His wife was his alibi and he went to work at 10 pm- anyway- he talked with police and gave his thoughts- answered questions on what the perp may have done what he was thinking ect-
He failed his poly on 2 questions Do you know who killed the children and do you know what was used to tie them-
He said he thought hypothetically that Branchs step dad may have done it- and hye said he thought shoelaces were used because they were already at the scene…
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/jmartinstatement.html
I dont think he did it, but his scenario of what the perp/s were thinking ect is very thought provoking.
I agree with you mjh, I couldnt convict these 3 based on the evidence that was presented at trial- or the “confessions” Too much reasonable doubt for me.
Thanks for taking the time to make that well thought out post mjh.
AJMO
Hi blink- I know you are extra busy I apologize for bugging you- But I seem to be missing two posts from last night..can you see them? I can repost if you want. Thanks for taking a look for them.
I believe Morgan had a solid alabi unlike the WM3.
If it wasn’t for the irresponsible documentaries Byers would not be considered a suspect. He spanked his son, he was open about it from the start, it doesn’t make him a suspect. On the day of the murders he acted as any responsible father would, he looked for the boys and IIRC he was the first to report them missing. A police officer visited his house while his wife and the Moore’s were present. The timeline of his actions all adds up. JMB couldn’t have possibly killed the kids.
The Bojangles man isn’t the killer. If the Bojangles man killed the kids that means you have to believe that he submerged the kids in water and then traveled ALL THE WAY TO A CHICKEN RESTAURANT TO CLEAN OFF BLOOD. Why not wash it off at the crime scene? Bojangles was described as disoriented(aka high or drunk). Drunk transients fall down and hurt themselves from time to time. They also rely on public restrooms to clean themselves up.
Blink~
Thank you for all your hard work on this case! I can’t imagine the toll this has taken on you, many have picked up this case, few have been able to see it through. The information that you have provided in this case is remarkable. You brought to life new evidence and as a result of that a plea agreement was reached. Your findings and the manner in which you are able to publish created changes, caused movement
and more importantly shined a light in a very dark place,looking for Christopher, Michael and Stevie. Please continue Blink. We are all very grateful.
mjh, you wrote in part:
(my additions **)
Jessie, in his confession(s) said that Jason had a knife. He specifically said that Jason showed him the knife, and he described it. ** Jesse also changed the knife description a # of times- IIRC once a fold up type, once a locking knife- once saying it was one piece-and then a buck type knife**
and He never mentioned anything about an ice axe. He did talk about the swinging action, which does stand out.
** yes he did talk about a swinging motion but he also talked about Jason holding the shirt to the mouth with one hand and swinging with the other JB was small his arms were no bigger than twigs- how could he sit ontop of the victim and wield the iceax with any sort of command? The ice ax is long and heavy- I am not sure if it could have been used in the manner described. Also JM states that JB slung his hand “like this” he is not sure if he slung the knife or the penis…so he stopped holding the mouth or he dropped the ax and picked up a knife? IDK**
But, I would think that if Jason showed him the weapon, as he said, he would know it was not a knife. Ice axes are not small. Where would Jason be hiding it the whole time? It would not be easily hidden, and in my opinion, it would have stood out more than anything.
** I agree with this statement- In one confession JM says that JB was the one to carry the 12 pk of beer so he was carrying the beer and the awkward long heavy ice ax little Jason?**
Jessie also stated that Damien did not have a knife, or any weapon other than a stick.
** yes he did say this and he also said Damien never borrowed his knife- and JM also stated that he thought DE “knew what he was doing” because of the honcho and the briefcase pic..well if it was a premeditated murder- why did JM in one confession state DE picked up a stick from the scene.. and in another confession say that the stick was the one shown at trial that was stripped of bark- and why wouldnt DE not have used the “stick” he brought with him more to beat the kids?? JM stated he used his fists and bruised him up real bad- why didnt DE have damage to his knuckles ect? IDK**
-mjh I share your questioning on the candle wax-
you wrote further:
Jessie, in his confession(s) never mentioned anything about candles at the crime scene. They were carrying beer and whiskey and a big ole stick. Who had the candles? Where was the ice axe?
** also where was the road runner bag and clothes? There was never any mention of that – so they carried- a 12 pk of beer in a paper sack a long stick- road runner bag and clothes and razors never used(not according to JM’s confessions)EW whiskey, drippy candle/s – a glass(for catching and drinking the blood according to one JM confession) an ice ax, and a knife that was never found- but the iceax was hidden under the bed and returned…**
**What happened to the clothing? the shoes that were never found the long army boots of JB the trench coats, or biker jacket according to JM/ the shirts- which by the way JM says in one confession that his shirt was a white greasied up shirt and then says he was wearing a gray sweat shirt short sleeved and greasy pants… If they threw these things away successfully why not get rid of the iceax in the same manner?** BTW they also got rid of the paper sack and the remnants of the beer- but left behind a road runner bag and other contents..and the stick.
Also, one thing I really don’t understand is, if Jason was the one in possession of an ice axe, and Jason was the only one who Jessie mentioned having and showing him a knife, and Jason did all the “cutting”, then Jason would be the one who caused the most damage; why was Damien the one sitting on death row? ** I agree with all of these thoughts- I dont understand it either**
mjh- I also agree about Damiens past-I agree with what grace in the hills said… the 500 pgs were not convincing to me IRT proving that DE was homicidal or capable of committing this crime and alot of it was scare tactics as for the dog I dont know what to believe about that story. So many rumors and exaggerations. IJDK
I know jesse could have been omitting details but if so he omitted so many that would go to showing he was there and that DE and JM did exactly what he said they did, Obviously he wasnt trying to protect them he was”confessing to them beating and cutting and biting and hog-tieing and drowning and castrating, and abusing these boys. So why even bother not telling exactly what happened when it comes to JM and DE’s involvement and weapons? IDK
AJMO-
thanks for making me think mjh.
@mom 3.0
Please tell me if you don’t see your posts. I cannot work from anything other than my Droid through Sunday evening
Hi Blink yes I see them they are all in moderation… here are the timestamps:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
September 15, 2011 at 6:51 pm
and
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
September 15, 2011 at 7:28 pm
and this one from today
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
September 16, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Thanks for looking Blink- if its easier I can repost them- let me know whatever helps you – try to enjoy the weekend.
To everyone:
Just a reminder I am on location so I cannot respond always underneath you in bold and I realize the format is a tad different, please bear that in mind.
Chris
Morgan was interviewed over 2 days for 17 hours by detectives that had no more than a few paragraph brief on the case.
He was emphatic he was going to lie to confess to get out of there and he said that 3x before he said he cut their arms off or whatever. If you have not read the camera testimony of him, this is clear. The polys were zonal, which really means exploratory and unfortunately I am not clear how someone preforming them with no details of the case or area could even give it.
Wrt to his shoe prints I am not understanding the relevance.
If your suggesting the pattern made the mark on Steve’s thigh that would be impossible. If you meant the possibility of the back of Steve’s head, the pattern was diagonal and linear, so could not be that either.
That said MJH, I applaud you for doing your homework. This duo was absolutely worth consideration and did so myself.
@jenniesdae
I was asked a question yesterday that stopped me in my tracks.
It was:
Did you ever consider the fact that YOU were asked to review the case because they KNEW your work and KNEW you would find the ice axe and use it to sway Baldwin to agree?
The point of the question was clear. If I am being honest, yes it occurred to me the second I was told about the plea.
Still working on how I feel about the possibility.
Mom 3.0
Your all up. Thanks for letting me know.
Blink No i am not up- LOL The ones from last night are still showing as in moderation.
here is one for reposting:
Mom3.0 says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
September 15, 2011 at 6:51 pm
I meant to post this thought with the last post:
if I become a believer in the 3′s undoubted guilt, will the other fencesitters here call me a follower and a “non”-
Susanm- Hello thanks for taking the time to respond to my post. I appreciate it.
I can not find anywhere in Jesse’s first confession any mention of Damien in the background saying ” no tell him girls”
here is a link to the 1st confession:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/jmjune1.html
Here is the statement about the initial call:
RIDGE: Witnessed by Michael Wayne Allen and myself, Det. Bryn Ridge.
Okay, Jessie, let’s go straight to that date, 05/05/93, Wednesday, early in the morning. You received a phone call is that correct?
JESSIE: Yes, I did
RIDGE: And who made that phone call?
JESSIE: Jason Baldwin
RIDGE: Alright, what occurred, what did he talk about?
JESSIE: He called me and asked me if I could go to West Memphis with him and I told him, no, I had to work and stuff. He told me that he had to go to West Memphis so, him and Damian with and then I went with them.
RIDGE: Alright, when?
JESSIE: Wednesday
RIDGE: Alright, when did you go with them?
JESSIE: That morning
RIDGE: 9 o’clock in the morning?
JESSIE: Yes, I did. I went with them and then
GITCHELL: Now, where you in a car? Whose car where you all in?
JESSIE: We walked
____
On Feb 4th JM said this ITR the phone call:
snipped:
Jessie advised he had received a call from Jason Baldwin asking him if he wanted to go to West Memphis to “get some girls.”
In the Feb statement he says this IRT the phone call: (pp)snipped-
Stidman;
I understand you received a call, when?
JM
- On a Monday-
S- On Mon before the Wed?
JM yes
s-What time?
JM- about 6 o clock pm
S- Is that when he said something about going to find some girls or something of that nature?
JM-yes wanted to know if I wanted to go to WMephis with them to find some girls.
S- Did any make suggestion about hurting boys or killing boys at that time?
JM- No
Then on pg 13 He again states the call mentioned finding girls not finding boys or hurting/killing boys.
On page 24 he mentions asking Jason about the girls; Where we gonna find them girls?- JB answers were just gonna walk around and look.
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/img2/jm_2_8_94_statement.html
Susanm- maybe I am missing it or maybe it is in a different interview can you link to that info please?
You wrote:
mom3.0,i am referring to the first confession where jessie originally says we gonna go find boys, damien says in the background “no tell him girls”,—i didnt say that i believed jessie is telling the truth ,about the phone call, the phone conversation may have gone the way he says or not, or there might not have been a phone call at all,i am saying that imo it could be possible that the areas of his confessions that seemingly go off track or cause pause or are actually wrong or not quite in line w/ the evidence,or change from the previous confession ,are interestingly enough ,areas where jessie very well could be –and a pattern is showing that,imo —,he fudges imo, the details ,to lessen his participation___
susanm, I do agree that he could be trying to lessen his hands on participation – and he could have been there and he could have been telling the truth on certain aspects- but IMO he has flat out lied and changed details even important details over and over again so I do not think anyone should take anything he says as a fact because the Truth is -he could be lying about EVERYTHING
I know most here dont think so- and most think he had nothing to gain with lying in his later statements, but that just isnt true IMO-
He was on his way to the big house -Big boys prison FOR LIFE- The prosecution and LE were done with him- he had been found guilty-
There was no reason for them to be nice to JM anymore or cordial- but before he gives this statement- he gets hamburgers and cokes- things he will never again be able to have- he gets to sit in a room not in his prison cell- he also will most likely get to talk to his dad again before he is sent to the big house- …or at least he thinks so.
The fact is, he had nothing to lose in his mind anymore by confessing to another BS story – he was already a lost cause found guilty- so confessing this time and postponing the inevitable, and incorporating confessed this time based in as much “facts” that he could remember from trial and rumors and photos ect- was no big thing-
He DID have everything to gain – a few extra precious moments away from the rest of his life in prison-and some goodbyes to hamburgers and cokes and his dad. AJMO
–susanm you wrote;
whether or not the phone call happened, the ‘FACT’ that he changed the story of the phone call from the first confession where he mentions -boys-,to where he leaves it out on every other confession ,could mean a myriad of things,—-
I cant speak to the “fact” that he changed this, – as I was unable to locate this snip- I am hoping youll point it out.
However,JM says alot of things in his first confession that he leaves out in later statements- eating dogs and boiling them in wash tubs is one that jumps out at me- the rope ect I dont think any of the missed details or newly “remembered” details mean any thing in particular- other than JM is a guy that likes to make up stories and exaggerate and he only needs a little prompting to think of something different. -That is not to say that he is lying on every detail- but the sad truth, IMO is—- we just cant know what are lies and where he got the truth.-
We just dont know where he got this info from which seems to point toward actual facts- Did he get it from the NP? from LE questioning before the taping? from LE in the car ride? from the trial? from his lawyers? IMO there is no way to tell- cause the things that would definitely mean to me that he was there is getting the map right- which he didnt- getting the times right -which he didnt- getting the clothes right -which he didnt – mentioning the ax or the stick or the little star- or the missing underwear- or the shoes- or supplying some sort of evidence of his being there- or mentioning something that know one knew about- ever-
susanm-You wrote
imo,And yes ,to lessen any past, current or future ,true or rumored ‘homo’ notion, after all the penis of a little boy was cut.___
There is no homosexual undertones to a crime of male on male molestation or pedophilia anymore so is than there are lesbian tendencies in a crime of pedophilia when a woman abuses or molests a female child. Think little sandra cantu case-
A pedofile does not seek out a victim based on the sex of the child- they seek out the victim based upon the age of the child- a molester does not seek out a certain gender either- they seek out a child that can be overpowered and manipilated- and silenced-
a pedo or a molester could be an otherwise heterosexual male or female with an adult relationship with the opposite sex.
Much like the crime of rape, pedophilia is not necessarily a crime of sex it is a crime of control and power-
I realize that the poor little angel was castrated susanm, but I do not think that points undoubtedly to an act of a sexual nature nor to one of a homosexual aspect- but to one of rage- violence and possibly self loathing or revenge.
AJMO Sorry for the length
Thanks for trying to find them Blink- heres the other one for reposting:
Mom3.0 says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
September 15, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Still trying to catch up- Angellica, I so appreciate your response thank you kindly
Aaron, I realize that our many posts discussing the ice ax seem redundant and yes we know they HAD one in evidence- but despite Blinks brilliant work and her attempt at finding the exact ax and then comparing the wounds to the blade of one she thinks is a match- the truth is- because we do not know exactly what type of ax it was, or whether or not it had lots of teeth or slight teeth- or a broken tooth or a bent one… or a grip, or an attached string or a handle ect- NO ONE can say that the ice ax that Jason had was the murder weapon- we can speculate, we can make educated guesses, but we cant know because LE did not measure- did not provide close-ups or clear photos ect… and they did not ask all the right questions of the ex owners or Jb or his brother ect. So as much as you hate it- I think there might be more ice ax posts.
Just scroll on by, its allowed…
TGF thanks for weighing in-
Grace in the hills glad youre around- I look forward to hearing from ya..
Bam nice to see you.
Thanks to everyone for continuing the conversation- very informative posts and points.
AJMO
Thanks Blinky feel free to carry on-
Just for the record- if it is true that JB decided to plea because of your research- Please do not think of it as a failure.
I firmly believe that in time God sees fit to enlighten us with the truth. Perhaps he used you as a catalyst to begin the process- one way or the other-
Whether it was fear that this would prove to a jury that he did it, proof of his uundeniable guilt. He may have pleaded but God used you to get the truth out….
or JB pleaded because he saw the truth that many/a jury would believe the iceax was used- and he was afraid a jury would convict him wrongly based on this… so God used you to show him its time to plea and time to focus the investigation elsewhere…
You did good Blink -either way – no doubt in my mind.
AJMO