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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@mom 3.0
Your too kind. I agree with you 100%.
@mjh
There are some really good questions in your post, and I’d love to try and reply to some of them, but I’ve got no time at the moment. For now, I’ll just reply to this:
“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?”
Damien was 18 at the time of the crime. Jason was only 16. Also, Jason kept quiet during the trial. Echols testified, lied on stand, and left a bad impression. He also licked his lips at the grieving parents, and blew kisses at them. Now, I’m not saying taunting the victims’ parents proves guilt or anything like that. But, once the jury has examined the evidence and decided that they ARE guilty, it’s easy to see how those actions would make Echols seem the absolutely unrepentant ringleader, as opposed to the quiet Baldwin. Personally, I don’t believe Baldwin is any better than Echols, but his behavior at the trial was much smarter than Echols’s (well, smarter if we asume Echols gave a damn at the time about the outcome). Echols just went ahead and hung himself at the trial.
mjh
Thanks for revisiting the shoe photos. This is a very common tread pattern on a pair of tennis shoes. They are made in both “high tops” and “low quarters”. A very inexpensive shoe when compared to those with an athletic endorsement.
Those photos do not provide anything abut the size of the pattern. The sole rubber is soft so that the sole can “grip” a surface. The scales shown on the photos are for controling the size of the photo, not for any specific measurement.
Some think that Jessie was not up to normal IQ levels which IMO may be true. However, I think he was probably about 10 points down. Normal is around 110. Therefore, while he would not be the brightest bulb in the room, he was far from being imcompetent. The reported IQ level of 72 IMO was a specially created result.
At one time, IQ was thought to be fixed for life. Thanks to a school teacher in the Brooklyn N.Y. school system, we now know that it can move. The one thing that is difficult to move, is the ability for the brain to process data at what is called “normal” speed. So, what is normal?
Getting the absolute truth from teenagers is difficult. Particularly when there may be consequences that they are trying to avoid. When I look at the confessions of Jessie, I see some truth in each one. Some portions make little sense from a logical perspective. At no time, do I find anyone proposing questions that would lead to the whole truth.
This whole case is mostly about circumstances and the confessions of Jessie Misskelley. IMO LE and the attorneys for the County lacked the skills to really find the answers. I believe that they could have been found if investigative skills were better.
Would a better investigation lead to a different person or persons as the perps? I don’t think so.
@Ragdoll lol okay good to know!
@kathy i agree and remember it wasn`t just 12 jurors it was 24
@ Blink
Insightful question(kinda rough too) One thing is for certain and that is your revelations, especially the evidence linking Jason Baldwin, places the evil right back in the hands of the owner. The defendants in this case have had many years to manipulate and contort their negative image into a misjudged, clean and innocent appearance. Although they reside somewhere else I imagine a large part of each them remains still in prison. The new truth you have discovered will follow each one of them and we can (Thank God)watch carefully and warned. Enjoy your weekend! <3
I was over at the black board and ask a question they didn`t like and they blocked me but i did find this while i was there.
It`s CRAZY and just shows me that these supporters are conspiracy theorist.
link This includes pics btw.
http://www.wm3blackboard.com/forum/index.php?topic=2386.0
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.****** ========yes except if he or she is molesting the same sex ,by nature of definition it is homosexual. a same sex molestion ,could be called a homosexual molestation?,not that i would call it that.
———- can not agree ,with any of this . how can there be “no” homosexual undertones to a male on male,or female on female molestation.of course there is and i think gay male pedofiles seek out boys not girls,nambla aint interested in girls.——————— and i was adressing jessie’s thought motivations,i am sure any boy accused of castration on a child , in a crime where his confession speaks of homosexual sex,and has been accused (rumor)of molesting aaron, and is going to prison ,has thoughts concerning homosexuality.—and you cant be sure that melissa huckaby (sandra cantu)didnt have lesbian tendensies ,just because she was married and had a child. and no the crime itself does not necessarily have to have a homosexual angle ,except that jessie’s confession (truth or not) speaks of it.which was the frame of my conversation, jessie and his confession.
post # 48 should start with mom3.0 says.
I still say because of all the errors made when these little boys were found, the way they were handled and “processed” to put it bluntly may have made getting needed evidence from their bodies impossible.
I don’t understand why there’s no note taking or video of interviews that are going on for hour after hour. I’m afraid the biggest lead they ever had was Mr Bojangles and they let him go.
Do I believe these boys guilty? I don’t know, but knowing how their confession was obtained make me wonder if there isn’t some hidden video tape someplace
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/jm_ridge2.html here is the confession where he originally says they were gonna go look for boys and bamien says no tell him girls.
mom 3.0 says: 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. i find it a very sad state that you think that,and i dont know what to say ,what i’mconvey is that it is very possible that he is making it up(and according to documented neighborhood lore, he’s not) to create an motivealibi ,just like the exmarine greenberet doctor who murdered his family ,and painted helter skelter on the walls and said hippies in vans did it. just like the kid who says “i didnt the eat the cookies, the cookie monster snuck in and did it.just like the child murderer who makes a wild story that the babysitter stole her baby are saying they are lying about why they did , here jessie is subconconciously blaming damien for why he did it.
mom 3.0 says: 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. i find it a very sad state that you think that,and i dont know what to say ,what i’mconvey is that it is very possible that he is making it up(and according to documented neighborhood lore, he’s not) to create an motivealibi ,just like the exmarine greenberet doctor who murdered his family ,and painted helter skelter on the walls and said hippies in vans did it. just like the kid who says “i didnt the eat the cookies, the cookie monster snuck in and did it.just like the child murderer who makes a wild story that the babysitter stole her baby .i find it odd that because there is a wild story being told you think it makes him not guilty,the fact that wild story is being told is what makes me think he is very possibly guilty of at least what he says he is guilty of,and filling in the most quilty details with poorly constructed lies.just like every guilty person who gets caught and tries to lie his way out of it,lies are usually dillusion filled .i did this but i didnt that, i did that but i didnt this. i did this but i didnt do that.
susanm- thanks again for sharing your thoughts and your willingness to debate different things with me, and for doing it in such a polite way-
You bring up alot of good points, but There have been many psychological studies on pedophiles and molesters.
I was not basing those thoughts on just my opinions.
here is a link to some info
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/gays-anatomy/200809/homosexuality-and-pedophilia-the-false-link
snipped:
Rarely does a pedophile experience sexual desire for adults of either gender. They usually don’t identify as homosexual-the majority identify as heterosexual, even those who abuse children of the same gender They are sexually aroused by youth, not by gender. In contrast, child molesters often exert power and control over children in an effort to dominate them. They do experience sexual desire for adults, but molest children episodically, for reasons apart from sexual desire, much as rapists enjoy power, violence and controlling their humiliated victims. Indeed, research supports that a child molester isn’t any more likely to be homosexual than heterosexual.
In fact, some research shows that for pedophiles, the gender of the child is immaterial. Accessibility is more the factor in who a pedophile abuses. This may explain the high incidence of children molested in church communities and fraternal organizations, where the pedophile may more easily have access to children. In these situations, an adult male is trusted by those around him, including children and their families. Males are often given access to boys to mentor, teach, coach and advise. Therefore, a male pedophile may have easier access to a male child. In trying to make sense of an adult male’s sexually abusing a male child, many of us mislabel it as an act of homosexuality, which it isn’t……
Feminists have argued for years that rape is not a sex act-it is an act of violence using sex as a weapon. In the same way, a pedophile abusing a child of the same sex is not perpetrating a homosexual act, but an act of violence and exploitation using sexuality. There is a world of difference between these two things, but it requires a subtle understanding of the inner motivation of the abuser.
To call child molestation of a boy by a man “homosexual” or of a girl by a man “heterosexual” is to misunderstand pedophilia. No true pedophile is attracted to adults, so neither homosexuality nor heterosexuality applies. Accordingly, Herek suggests calling men’s sexual abuse of boys “male-male molestation” and men’s abuse of girls, “male-female molestation.”….
Interestingly, Anna C. Salter writes, in “Predators, Pedophiles, Rapists and other Sex Offenders”, that when a man molests little girls, we call him a “pedophile” and not a “heterosexual.” Of course, when a man molests little boys, people say outright, or mutter under their breath, “homosexual. Herek writes that because of our society’s aversion to male homosexuality, and the attempts made by some to represent gay men as a danger to “family values,” many in our society immediately think of male-male molestation as homosexuality. He compares this with the time when African Americans were often falsely accused of raping white women, and when medieval Jews were accused of murdering Christian babies in ritual sacrifices. Both are examples of how mainstream society eagerly jumped to conclusions to that justified discrimination and violence against these minorities. Today, gays face the same kind of prejudice. Most recently, we’ve seen gay men unfairly turned out of the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of this myth that gay men are likely to be child molesters. Keeping gays out of scouting won’t protect boys from pedophiles.
In reality, abuse of boys by gay pedophiles is rare, and the abuse of girls by lesbians is rarer still.
—
susanm- I have never researched nambla- but I would think just like rapists some offenders seek out a certain body type hair color ect- and I would think boys are chosen by these nabla people as victims more often because it is easier for male pedophiles to encounter,mentor, get close to, “groom” little boys rather than girls-
you wrote:
how can there be “no” homosexual undertones to a male on male,or female on female molestation.of course there is and i think gay male pedofiles seek out boys not girls,nambla aint interested in girls.
–susanm, you are entitled to your opinion, but again according to research you are not correc.
http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/facts_molestation.html
snipped;
Pedophilia usually refers to an adult psychological disorder characterized by a preference for prepubescent children as sexual partners; this preference may or may not be acted upon. The term hebephilia is sometimes used to describe adult sexual attractions to adolescents or children who have reached puberty.
Whereas pedophilia and hebephilia refer to psychological propensities, child molestation and child sexual abuse are used to describe actual sexual contact between an adult and someone who has not reached the legal age of consent. In this context, the latter individual is referred to as a child, even though he or she may be a teenager.
Pedophilia and hebephilia are diagnostic labels that refer to psychological attractions. Not all pedophiles and hebephiles actually molest children; an adult can be attracted to children or adolescents without ever actually engaging in sexual contact with them….
Child molestation and child sexual abuse refer to actions, and don’t imply a particular psychological makeup or motive on the part of the perpetrator. Not all incidents of child sexual abuse are perpetrated by pedophiles or hebephiles; in some cases, the perpetrator has other motives for his or her actions and does not manifest an ongoing pattern of sexual attraction to children.
Another problem related to terminology arises because sexual abuse of male children by adult men is often referred to as “homosexual molestation.” The adjective “homosexual” (or “heterosexual” when a man abuses a female child) refers to the victim’s gender in relation to that of the perpetrator. Unfortunately, people sometimes mistakenly interpret it as referring to the perpetrator’s sexual orientation.
To avoid this confusion, it is preferable to refer to men’s sexual abuse of boys with the more accurate label of male-male molestation. Similarly, it is preferable to refer to men’s abuse of girls as male-female molestation. These labels are more accurate because they describe the sex of the individuals involved but don’t implicitly convey unwarranted assumptions about the perpetrator’s sexual orientation.
….the important point is that many child molesters cannot be meaningfully described as homosexuals, heterosexuals, or bisexuals (in the usual sense of those terms) because they are not really capable of a relationship with an adult man or woman. Instead of gender, their sexual attractions are based primarily on age. These individuals – who are often characterized as fixated – are attracted to children, not to men or women.
…other molesters are described as regressed. Regression is “a temporary or permanent appearance of primitive behavior after more mature forms of expression had been attained, regardless of whether the immature behavior was actually manifested earlier in the individual’s development” (Groth & Birnbaum, 1978, p. 177). Regressed offenders have developed an adult sexual orientation but under certain conditions (such as extreme stress) they return to an earlier, less mature psychological state and engage in sexual contact with children.
–
I hope the above helps to clarify my thoughts
susanm- it is my understanding that despite what the prosecution first went to trial with and despite the confessions of Jesse of graphic violent rape- anally, orally and digitally- both sides now feel that these little boys were not raped and that there was no evidence that the castration was done as part of a sexually motivated crime.
cont in next post susanmm
Hi susan me again,
Thanks for sharing your perspective Jesse’s confessions. I see your point, and to a certain degree I can agree- we will never know if some of it is based in truth nor will we know why he lied or omitted certain details ect- I am sorry that you think it is “sad” that I can not consider Jesses confessions as pertinent and factual- Juries are instructed that when a witness has lied you are able to take that fact into consideration and either except certain parts or disregard the entire witness- Well unfortunately I can not het passed Jesses lies and omission so therefore I choose to disregard everything.—it is a proven fact that JM lied and lied some more- by his own mouth- (pp) I lied- I made it up… I said it just for something to say- just to throw off you all…and it is also a proven fact that he misremembered other details such as his bringing up the club house and then later saying (pp) oh wait- that wasnt there – it wasnt that day …I know where I got that from, over on H- island…
its okay that we disagree- niether one of us can be 1oo% certain- so there is room for differing thoughts.
susanm- I think the documented neighborhood lore is a bunch of hooha and is abig red flag pointing to how this case got so out of hand to begin with, so please pardon me if I dont put much stock in it.
I have researched the Dr Jefferey MacDonald case susanm- and frankly these murders do not compare- as the 3 were not related to the victims -and there was a great deal of evidence that convicted DJM- not so in this case.
Have you read the “strong points” of this case? The actual thoughts of LE on why they felt their case was an 11?
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/img/strong_points.html
To me those notebook sheets say it all, by pointing out not a whole hell of alot.
AJMO
ps last post was AJMO too.
Thanks susanm I enjoy reading your posts and they are always thought-provoking
pss susanm thanks for finding that link to saying boys/girls statement-I will comment on it tomorrow- I know you cant wait- LOL
cbickel- I wonder too if there was other video- why is there no video/audio of JB and DE interrogations/interviews?
night all
Hey Blink, just letting you know I’ve got a comment stuck in moderation:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
September 16, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@ATG
An average IQ is 100, but “normal” in this sense is anything between retarded and genius (not sure about the exact technical terms, and don’t want to google it from the terrible excuse of a computer I’m using at the moment). Even going by the result obtained from Jessie in extremely suspicious circumstances, with a very high degree of malingering (faking, basically), he’d still be in the normal range. The bottom end of it, but still within it. Not accepting (multiple!) confessions from people who are of low, but normal, intelligence (the way some supporters seem to want in Jessie’s case) would be a crazy principle to adopt.
Also, for the supporter version of Jessie’s confession to be true, Jessie’d have to be unintelligent enough to think his laywers are cops and out t get him (for months – before, during and after his trial), but intelligent enough to memorize detail after detail of the crime during said trial, and repeat them at wish.
I was just thinking of a possible theory that may be way out there, but here goes:
In regard to that creepy older guy that Jessie referred to that looked like an older Echols who was showing that picture of boys from his briefcase. That makes sense because Christopher Byers ran in and told his mom someone took a picture of him while he was outside. Then we have when Damien tells Misskelley to come with him and Baldwin (to get some girls, when he really said boys). The three boys were in the woods around dinner time. Did they usually go places around dinner time? I wouldn’t think so. It’s almost like someone told them to come into the woods at this time under another pretense. Misskelley was probably invited along to account for a third person to handle three boys. If this is the case, this goes even more into a diabolical premeditation murder. Any thoughts?
@mom3.0 –
OT: “Have you heard the rainbow connection? Masterpiece.”
Yes, one of my favorites… Masterpiece — I agree.
————————
“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 definitely think there were many rumors going around this town. Information was let out that shouldn’t have been; another huge problem in this case. But, this also goes to one of Blink’s points: This is why the ME said he kept the information about the possible urine in the stomachs to himself.
Re: James K Martin
“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… ”
Seems like he’s had some experience… A criminal mind at work. I still have not ruled out Terry Hobbs. I wonder why this is the person he suspected. Interesting.
“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”
This is how I feel. If he is going to “confess” and tell everything, why would he leave out some of the most important details. It’s not like he is leaving things out to protect the others.
@Lisa Allen — They did consider Morgan a POI at one time, which is how I got the information (Callahan site). They apparently cleared him, and Blink pointed out some reasons why in her post:
Blink says: September 16, 2011 at 12:52 pm
It is true that they also talked about the boys’ arms and legs being cut off, which didn’t happen.
@kathy — Blink runs a very decent site here, which is one of the reasons I always come back. The other reason is my respect and admiration for her and her work, and her commitment to finding the truth for victims and their families. I have seen what she can do, and have witnessed the outcomes of some of the cases she has worked on, that I am sure would never have happened if it were not for her. That’s why being on the “wrong” side of this case is very difficult for me. Not really where I want to be, but I need to look at everything and feel comfortable in my own mind that these three were really there. I’m just not there yet.
As far as Jessie not being a detail-oriented person, I agree, that’s probably true. I do feel that he was led through his first confession, which makes me believe he is easily led. Maybe he was also easily led by the other two, and they really did do this. But, I just keep feeling like someone put this story in his head, and then, he believed it. As more details came out, he changed his story. I do believe that Jason showed him a knife at some point, but at some other time. He is remembering it and adding it into his story.
Being drunk could definitely alter his perception of things. But, I still think if Jason had an ice axe, that’s something he would remember. It’s not something that can be easily hidden or forgotten. JMO.
I do, also agree that Jessie is the type who would feel guilty if he did something wrong.
@jb — I do not think that Mark Byers did this, however, I do believe he abused his stepson, Chris, and, quite honestly, being a step father of a victim, having abused the victim in the past, and that victim being the most severely injured, would make him a prime suspect in this case. His being accounted for during the time is what would clear him.
I can’t say with any certainty whether the Bojangles guy was there or not, as I’m afraid LE failed to follow through on this one. But, you may be right; he could be just a drunk who fell.
@Blink – “If your suggesting the pattern made the mark on Steve’s thigh that would be impossible.”
This is what I was thinking. When I saw that shoe, all I could see was the same kind of pattern as the rebar, only smaller. Although, looking at the mark, it seems it would have to be one long straight piece of something hard that caused it.
@A Texas Grandfather
Thank you for your response. Every time you post, I learn something new. I would love to have you on my team in a game of trivia
I do think Jessie is a little slow. With the severity of his brother’s condition, I think he probably does have some degree of learning disability. But, he seems to be able to function pretty well; he had a job, he wrestled, etc. I’m just not sure, if I told him a story and said “you were there, this is what happened” would he believe it?
“This whole case is mostly about circumstances and the confessions of Jessie Misskelley. IMO LE and the attorneys for the County lacked the skills to really find the answers. I believe that they could have been found if investigative skills were better.”
I agree with you on this. They had all the evidence right in their hands.
I also wanted to touch on something you mentioned before: If these guys really did this, and they were using their fists, they would have bruising on their knuckles/hands. Did they ever take pictures of their hands? Did anyone ever mention seeing bruises or scratches on any of these three?
I know in the case of Morgan and Holland, LE took pictures of recent scratches. Why would they not do this in the case of Damien, Jason and Jessie? I would think if they observed any bruises/scratches, etc. they would document it.
“Would a better investigation lead to a different person or persons as the perps? I don’t think so.”
This is the problem. You don’t think so, but, I don’t know. Maybe it would have. Who do the foreign hairs belong to?
hmmph,i said to myself ‘nambla” havent heard that one for awhile, at the sametime ,i am wondering who jessie is actually blaming in his “confession” damien or the mystery man”,and could there be another angle,something we dont know. at any rate i was thinking mambla , chicken hawk, then it struck me that chicken hawk ,iirc, was kida rural,southern town,and i wondered if there was ever a nambla chapter near west memphis,(i havent found any links to west memphis)so i first looked up nambla on wiki to refresh myself and check it out , what a weird coincidence , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Echols http://en.boywiki.org/wiki/Mike_Echols http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nambla talk about violent sex and male children .
mjh
Thanks for your comments. Having lived a long time and still have good memory makes a trivia game easy. A lot of the questions contained in a trivia game are historical and happend within my lifetime.
When one does not have to learn information from a book that has been through the authors filter, it is a lot easier. I always try to secure at least three sources of information that I want to study and more if available. My personal library contains hundreds of books collected over a lifetime.
The “I don’t think so” is my conclusion. Is it beyond reason that I am absolutely correct? Not at all. There could be something found at a later time that changes everything.
Your question about the hair is a valid one. This area was known to all the locals and probably some of those who live the life of a “hobo”. The hair could have been in the area for a time and was simply picked up from contact with a tree or any other object.
The real problem in this case is that there is not a single or more than a single piece of information that locks into any particular person or persons to the exclusion of all others. The confessions of Jessie Misskelley and the discovery of the ice axe as a probable weapon by Blink along with what we have learned of the wounds is what we have to work with. We may have more viable information than the original jury that convicted the three teens.
We find ourselves in the position of the three blind men holding onto a piece of an elephant and trying to describe the elephant to someone.
Susanm
Your references to Mike Echols and NAMBLA.
The Wicki reference places the person Mike Echols as being born in 1944 at Carthage, Texas. Carthage is at the south end of the great East Texas Oil Field.
This Mick Echols seems to be a person that travels a lot. There are references to him in New Mexico and Colorado as well as in prison in Califonia. There is nothing that ties this person to Arkansas in the articles.
Do you think that Damien may have read some of this persons writings and possibly been affected by them? Are you suggesting that Mike Echols could have been a relative?
Mom3.0
Your reply to mjh @12:09 P.M.
Specifically the size of Jasons arms and the ice axe being heavy.
Climbers and hikers are all about not carrying any more weight than absolutely necessary. Made me real curious about the weight of a long ice axe. Looked up several brands and models. The weights ranged between 475 and 600 grams. Converting that to ounces produces a range from approx. 17 oz. to 21 oz. This is not very heavy.
A finish carpenters hammer is 16 oz. and a small framing hammer is in the 22 oz. range and a large one at 28 oz.. Just for comparison, the ice axe in question may be 19 oz.
As skinny as Jason appears to be, this is an easy weight to swing. Some axes come with a grip that goes half way to the head. The modern handles are usually tublar steel or fibre composite. Both strong and light.
I have a tubular steel handle on a finish hammer made by Plumb that I bought in 1956 when such handles were first available. I got tired of replacing wood.
I think that none of us would believe the person(s) attacking the boys was calm. The human body is about three times stronger than anyone thinks. Anger removes the “hold-back” control we normally use. Someone that is high on drugs or alcohol often cannot control anger.
A blow with a hammer or axe is all about head speed and mass. The length of the handle increases leverage and the force of a blow.
If I could, at age 10, take a std. double bit (two blades) axe and cut down a pine tree 18″ in diameter, I don’t see any problem of a skinny teenager swinging a 19 oz. ice axe in anger.
I have no reason to believe anybody other than wm3 did it …i dont know if some of you heard or not but they have admitted it!They admitted it when they were released. I Think The state said CASE CLOSED.
I Do wish these poor little boys could rip!
Shame on hbo and 48 hours. I wish we all could prove to the supporters that were guilty too. But i see all these different speculations in the comments and we are going way off track. Maybe we should just let blink do the investigation. I am NOT a cop or private detective nor am i forensic smart but one thing i do have and that’s common sense and i already know wm3 did because NO ONE is crazy enough to keep confessing to murder.
@mjh – Though I only found this site at the end of c-word’s trial, I believe wholeheartedly that Blink has an investigative mind like know other! I admire greatly her determination to find the truth and her intelligence to put it all together and present it, defend it, and discuss it with all who follow these cases. And while I am at it, her humor and wit can brighten this tired ol’ momma’s day. Thank you, Blink.
I don’t think you are on the “wrong” side, you are on the side for truth, like we all are.
meant “like no other”!!!!
okay, i am tired, just wanted to be clear that my last sentence was to mjh – I dont think you are on the “wrong” side…..but on the side for truth..
Mom3.0 says:
September 17, 2011 at 1:46 am
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@Mom3.0: When I first began reading at the Callahan site, I was eager to start with JM’s confessions. I thought surely I would find that he gave specific corroborating details of the crime, as well as verifiable details of the offense that only the perpetrator(s) would know. I did not see that at all. IMO, JM’s confessions prior to the trial are completely devoid of distingushing details. I do not think these investigators were adept at questioning witnesses, in particular a witness/suspect who in all likelihood was intellectually impaired. They were blatantly leading and suggestive throughout JM’s interviews, and they failed to ask questions that *might* have elicited more details of the crime. I highlight the word *might* because, at that time, JM was not what I would call a reliable witness by any stretch of the word.
I have almost finished reviewing all of the documents at the Callahan site, and it would appear the investigation of these murders and the cases against JM, DE, and JB were seriously flawed. As you have pointed out before, Mom3.0, there were so many, many mistakes made, and so much outlandish conjecture bandied about that it seems the truth will never be known. I think it would have been very difficult to retry these cases, especially for the prosecution. IMO, it should serve as a case study in Criminal Investigation 101 to illustrate what LE should not do when investigating a crime of this magnitude.
Susanm- that is a strange coincidence (Michael Echols)- I know that you followed the C- Anthony case and strange coincidences abounded there too.
Before I comment on the boys vs girls call I just wanted to make sure that I addressed some thing that I missed last night. I also want to apologize for all of the errors in spelling ect- sometimes I wish Blink would just go ahead and install an edit button:)
anyway
you wrote:
i was adressing jessie’s thought motivations,i am sure any boy accused of castration on a child , in a crime where his confession speaks of homosexual sex,and has been accused (rumor)of molesting aaron, and is going to prison ,has thoughts concerning homosexuality.—and you cant be sure that melissa huckaby (sandra cantu)didnt have lesbian tendensies ,just because she was married and had a child. and no the crime itself does not necessarily have to have a homosexual angle ,except that jessie’s confession (truth or not) speaks of it.which was the frame of my conversation, jessie and his confession.
—Susanm- you really cant be certain of anything IRT JM and his thoughts and confessions and motivations- the point I was trying to make is that according to research, pedophiles are neither heterosexual or homosexual or bisexual. They dont really care what their victims gender is, just that they are a child.
If Jesses confessions were true, regarding the forcible rape of these children, it would not be because the 3 were closet homos- it would be because they were violent pedophiles or molesters.
Let me say again, for the record, I NEVER said any of these 3 were innocent- what I have said is that the evidence presented at trial, including the confession and the handling of this case by LE leaves reasonable doubt.
The interview you linked to- it is not JMs first -at first he denies knowing anything.
First this is not a verbatim transcript these are points that LE took from what they heard…and as we know LE are human and may have misheard what JM said, afterall in the taped interviews and confessions JM never said that they were going to get some boys- and if I may also point out no where in this summation was the Qoute you attributed to DE “tell him girls”
Even if LE did get everything right, this is just another different version of events. When/where can we be certain that JM is telling the truth?
This is what I am talking about susanm which leads me to reasonable doubt- He lies and changes important details.. and why didnt LE transcribe and tape exactly what was said in this interview?
In this interview JM contradicts himself yet again in later confessions he says this call took place the night before well he was sleeping over vickies- and in later confessions he says this call took place on Mon
snipped:
Stated he had received a call from Jason Baldwin
the night before Murders.
They were going to go out and get some boys and
hurt them
Stated he received call from Jason, Damien in Background
wanted him to go with them
Said they planned something.
Heard Damien say that Jason ought to tell
that they were going to get some girls or something
Jessie said he knew what they were going to do.
-This whole thing is a contradiction to everything JM later says in every other confessions.
AJMO
cont-
I have just watched 48 hours– This is just my opinion– I honestly do not believe these three were responsible in killing those little boys. I hope some of you were able to see the show tonight.
Why is it so hard for some to consider that Jesse was just trying to get the reward? Afterall he and his friends had called in a tip earlier concerning an encounter with a strange man who scared them, & they thought he might have something to do with the murders of the little boys:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/tlax.html
Why is it so hard to consider that JM may have fabricated the entire story- some of which was based upon rumors and details he had heard. ? JM obviously had heard about the case, as he made this report on the 15th… and he obviously had heard rumors IRT damien and the cult. This is evident by his very first interview with LE.
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/tlax.html
and obviously he was close to Vicki and Aaron and they were scared because he said he spent the night over there to protect them- and we know Vicki was working with LE and that Aaron had told the police on may 6th that he was there, when they were murdered.
In the interview you linked to susanm- I find it strange that JM says that Damien hung out at the skating rink to look for boys- well in the video of him there, he is hanging out with Domini- was she pregnant and helping him look for boys?
Also he says that DE would drive JE red car- then later says JE didnt have a red car- although this coincides with Vickies lie about going to the witches meeting/orgy in a red car that DE was driving…
Now we have JM hanging out with Vicki and Aaron and we have Vicki trying to ”figure out if the rumors were true irt to Damien” and she had Jesse introduce her to Damien, 3 weeks before this first interview-and LE was taped it inorder to see what incriminating things she could find out from DE
LE okayed her checking out witchy books, the same ones Damien had previously- and she laid them out on her coffee table- and asked Damien how she could join up in the witches club-. Now I think it is quite possible that JM discussed a great many rumors ect with Vicki and Aaron- and I think its quite possible he skimmed through those coffee table books and its quite possible that when Vicki asked him to stay because she was scared, she went into great detail about what she was reading, what LE had told her and JM knew a whole lot of info from Vicki and LE and he babysat Aaron, if Aaron was going to confide in anyone about what he saw or what his fears were. if not his mom, and LE it would stand to reason it would be JM right?
AJMO
cont
You say- he lied like liars do when they try to get out of admitting their own guilt- okay…but how is making up stories of witches cults and dog feasts and orgies and all the rest jive with that? Well its ts what he had been told-
He first denied any involvement- he called in a tip- he tried to help Vicki and Aaron when he was polygraphed, they told him he was lying- and he may know more- well Vicki and his friends and the town and Aaron were spinning their wheels in fear and theories and details swirled- Obviously Vicki was hell bent on figuring this crime out- is it so hard to believe that she constantly talked about this crime and the rumors?? Is it so hard that she wanted JM;s help? Is it so hard to believe that talked JM into going to LE to “help” afterall she talked him into introducing her to DE- whose to say she wasnt feeding him lies to tell LE? Afterall she has said she did lie about everything the esbat and the orgies ect. Is it so hard to believe that he believed subconsciously that he knew more than what he actually knew?
LE told him he was lying his azz off and that he was probably there, if they used the same tactics as they used on JKM …telling him he may have been there and maybe he blacked out then is it so hard to believe that he started telling them lies based on what he heard? He had already been there for most of the day- he wanted to go home- so he told them a story.
He lied susanm-and he continued to lie and blaming his inconsistencies on his drinking is a cop out if he was so drunk he cant remember then he was too drunk to commit these crimes and walk home and eat and go wrestling…f Bojangles was too drunk to commit these murders then why is not the same true for JM and JB and DE? and blaming the inconsistencies on JM may feel remorse or guilt for having been there and participated is a cop out.
He lied and if there is some truth to it, he beat the boy and watched as he was undressed and tied and raped and put in water to die- and he sat by and watched the other boys be beat and bit and cut and tied and raped and murdered- then he went home, ate and went wrestling.-
If you think his lies are his way of covering up for himself by blaming more on DE and JB then how can you be sure they were there at all? The natural progression of that line of thinking is to contemplate whether or not he pointed his bloody fingers in the direction of two innocent but strongly considered suspects all in order to steer LE away from the truth of his acts.
Lets think about that for a moment…
You brought up a rumor that JM was molesting Aaron- well its a fact that JM spent the night at Vickys/Aarons on May 4th
In one of Aarons confessions he stated that the only one that knows what happened is me- maybe JM hurt his friends and made him castrate his friend- well what if JM was the bad guy and he went to “play” with Aaron and his friends after school….or he found them in the woods..what if he was molesting Aaron and wanted the others to join in? What if JM hurt these kids all by himself sans DE and JB and Aaron was there and saw?
Most seem to believe that JM wasnt mentally slow- so he could have pulled this off right? Besides there are many criminals with low iqs. After all he did say all you have to do to make 3 boys “stay” is whoop em like a puppy- then theyll stay….what if he thought he was smart? afterall he was getting away with molesting Aaron… according to lore- maybe he thought he could go to the police and point the finger at the guy/s that everybody thought may have done it? What if he thought he could pass off just enough details and attribute the actions to JB and DE and a scary “cult”instead of himself and Aaron – just enough details to be believed, just enough to ensure JD and SJ would be pacified on the occult angle just enough details to ensure he could get the reward and the new truck?
After all, there was one witness that put 4 boys near the woods… what if Aaron was one of them? After all JM in his confessions kept thinking Mike M was Chris..and LE did find Mikes wallet in Chris pants
There are many scenarios that may explain JMs lies each no more or less farfetched or believable, depending on your view, than the one LE presented to the jury.
Thanks again susanm- for sharing your thoughts and for letting me share mine.
Who knows what the truth is? Not me for sure.
AJMO
mom3.0, somehow i knew you’d bring it with the psychology, i could pick apart and argue a few points with the experts, but i am not an expert on the subject, i will just suffice to say ,i would think/hope there was a note of margin of error, or rare exceptions ,like nambla.——-i havent watched paradise lost, btw, just a few parts on youtube ,,as of so far if havent seen any bias,and their log line suggest, what a friend who saw it screened at sundance years ago told me at the time , that some people would think they did it and some would think they didnt.i looked it up and read comments on imdb ,and it seem split to me. someone said – as far as the contoversial “satanic cult ” angle, being controversial, “who ever did it was demonic, cult or not”. i was specifically focusing ,what little time ,i have on jessie’s confession and it matches the the , in all fairness ,since you do say you see my point ,i’ll take the other angle view. mom 3.0 ,if you cant believe his believe his confession, why do think he confessed, i know you have batted around ideas ,the low iq angle, worn down , just wanted to go home , the promise of rewards ,coercered , fed info. if he was fed this info, why did he get life + 40 years, if his confession , states he only hit,left,if he was a conduit for a fast arrest(as supposed)wouldnt they already have a testifying deal?
Blink,
Tonight CBS is airing another broadcast about this case. Are going to watch it? If so,Do you feel comfortable giving us your opinions and or comments?
I will be transcribing the entire show-which can be emailed if you are interested. Your workload is heavy and I would be honored to help.
I will not post it here without your permission.
Jenniesdae
Thank you I M out until part late.Tom eve or.Monday am
wow, that is alot to take into into consideration, and it is, i would say as hard to believe all that as it is , to be just believe he was there ,i am saying that is is belieivable as is any theory.but to take that trip , i have to ask along the , why would he implicate himself as a helper , for the reward money? he doesnt have to go that far, he could simply say he watched from the overpass ,or he hid scared and watchedt is so much harder for me to believe, a kid ends up in prison for life + 40 years ,and he was no way involved, yet confesses with no deal,and was not even a suspect in the first place ,and not at anytime confesses to doing it for it the reward money,with vicki,instead puts his hand on a bible. i just have to think like vicki says:
September 17, 2011 at 7:40 pm I am NOT a cop or private detective nor am i forensic smart but one thing i do have and that’s common sense and i already know wm3 did because NO ONE is crazy enough to keep confessing to murder, — i was going ask, before i read vickie , so you think he’s crazy?that
vicki says:
September 17, 2011 at 7:34 pm
I have no reason to believe anybody other than wm3 did it …i dont know if some of you heard or not but they have admitted it! They admitted it when they were released. I Think The state said CASE CLOSED.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No, Vicki, they do NOT have to admit they committed this crime. The Alford plea allows each of them to maintain their innocence. Under this plea, they (as defendants) admit that sufficient evidence exists with which the prosecution could likely convince a judge or jury to find them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
mjh- hi-OT my kids still love those songs- and for the record I think Kermit was one of the finest on the scene reporters I have ever watched LOL.
mjh-
Yes there were rumors flying and JM was really close to Vicki and Aaron- and as we know Aaron was severely traumatized by the murder of his friends and he told LE about rumors he had heard and he also pointed out DE and JB in a line up and he said they were hog tied and that they were beaten and drowned and that he heard one of their faces were cut- yet LE didnt believe him- they thought his recollections were based on what he overheard and what he feared ect… So why couldnt it be feasible that JM knew the same things Aaron did and was crying because he was tramatized by what he was hearing from Aaron and Vickie, plus he heard more based on being out in the community more and being older? Why isnt it feasible that Aaron overheard his mother and LE or JM talking about the witch meetings/orgies that were rumored? In JM one statement, he denies knowing anything, but states he has heard rumors of DE and JB having sex and eating dogs…and he later gives names of people who were in this cult- If LE believed him, why werent these people arrested? IDK I havent ruled anyone out either mjh- the truth is these murders could have been perpetrated by lots of people.
TGF- it isnt just the weight, it is the awkwardness of the axe and the description by Jesse that some seem to think is a description of the ax being used- and I agree that if the weight was all that was to be considered a pound or two may not be that heavy- but KIM he would have carried it all the way with a 12 pk of beer- and he would have been drinking by the time the victims showed up… I agree that adrenaline can give you strength but it doesnt help you to maneuver a heavy -long -cumbersome iceax- one-handed -while holding the mouth of your victim with the otherhand and managing to barely make the cuts that we saw in Blinks piece and also castrate your victim with precision, while the victim is squirming at the same time youre sitting on top of the victim which would prevent much leverage…all being done without accidentally cutting yourself or without leaving undeniable wounds that could only attributed to the iceax.
graceinthehills- I am no where near reading everything at callahans- but I have to say- so far I agree with you 100% on the confessions and the questioning ect- you stated it all so well, GraceITH- and so concisely- I love your word bandied- I also agree that there was so much outlandish conjecture and the truth will never be known.
I also agree it would have been very difficult to retry these cases, especially for the prosecution, especially since they lost so much evidence and never collected so much more.
and again agreement on: this should serve as a case study in Criminal Investigation 101 to illustrate what LE should not do when investigating a crime of this magnitude.I look forward to hearing some more of your thoughts, please share some when you are finished at Callahans.
debbie dzula- I missed it- thanks for sharing your thoughts- hope you will stick around
susanm- I always try to make sure to base my opinions on wellfounded info and- I am sure you would have no problem in taking on the experts-
BUT lets not forget There is NO evidence that these boys were raped, and both sides agree that the castration was not a sexually motivated act… both sides now agree on these points… so that would seem to point to JM not telling the truth again, regarding some pretty important details no? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the documentaries- I havent watched them yet- but I am more apt to now, given your critique that you found them to be unbiased.
You asked-why did he get life + 40 years, if his confession , states he only hit,left,if he was a conduit for a fast arrest(as supposed)wouldnt they already have a testifying deal—-
Thats my question too Susanm…and JM refused to make a deal to testify, so perhaps the only time he would have told the whole truth and nothing but the truth might have been on the stand…well never know.
AJMO
I’ve been into metal a long time. My Dad tho…well, he was a “Hee Haw” kinda guy. Let me break you off a little sum’in sum’in.
@ BLINK
Wherrrre o’wherrrre are you tonight?
Why did you leave us here all alone?
We searched the site over and thought we’d find part III
You said “on Wednesday” then pthhhh you were gone.
-A Texas Grandfather says:
September 17, 2011 at 7:31 pm
ATG, because I’ve never wielded an ice axe, the information you provided on the weight is most welcome. It furthers, imo, the possibility that the axe handle well may have been mistaken for a large stick. Thanks, ATG!
-Mom3.0 says:
September 17, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Mom3, unless I’m misunderstanding your excellent research and analysis, are you suggesting that Jessie Misskelly may have acted alone, or with the assistance of Aaron, in the commission of this crime? The mere thought is stunning! I’m going to go back through to try to determine this same possibility.
-General observations that I can’t work my way past in order to exonerate the WM3:
-The knife that was found in the lake behind Baldwins.
-The axe that seems to have vanished into thin air. I find it more -likely that the axe containing evidence would be removed from the scene than a stick which could have been easily lost among dozens of other sticks at the crime scene, whereas an ice axe would have been easily identifiable, and removed.
Speaking of the axe, do we know if Damien wore a belt, and if so was there a place on this belt that would hold an axe close to a hip covered by a coat?
-DNA similarities to Stevie Branch’s blood and Jason Baldwin’s blood found on the necklace belonging to Damien Echols. I find this evidence much stronger than the fiber evidence.
-BLUE candle wax – exactly what are the odds of that?
-3 kids, 3 different methods of tying the ligatures that bound them. This I find extremely compelling.
-No alibi.
-Spotted in the area.
-Misskelly’s repeated confessions, especially those spoken after the fact.
-Damien didn’t completely deny having bragged at the ball park about committing the crime. imo he left it at, pretty much, “maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. If I did I was just kidding.”
Who kids about stuff like that but one who finds some sort of sick pleasure in taunting and traumatizing, and who would deserve then to be suspect?
The question has often been asked why Christopher would have been more severely tortured than the others and I would suggest that after having been beaten so severely and repeatedly by Mark Byers, Christopher was a fighter, and he fought his assailant.
Blink, we look forward to your return and wait patiently but anxiously for Part III.
@Krayon
LOl.
Post of the coast , y’all.
Thanks everyone for your patience and go J E T S
UGH, I should add a few things to the list:
All of the information offered by the defendants prior to public knowledge of such events such as the castration and the sucking of the blood from the penis, the testicles in the mouth, Christopher’s more severe injuries and the fact that he was dead, on the ground, rather than having drowned. It just goes on and on.
LoL @ Hee Haw, now for a little Dear Abby
Dear Abby Dear Abby I’m madder than hell
I think those 3 did it but but they sure won’t tell
Now they’re off making money and talking on TV
I blame it on Hollywood for setting them free
Signed Vigilante
Vigilante Vigilante please maintain your composure
Now you are among many who will never find closure
This case is a tragedy that drives me to drink
I do think they’re guilty now that I’ve read Blink
Signed Dear Abby
@debbie dezula – I watched 48 Hours last night. That was one sanitized show (bleach, pine sol, comet, etc. al.). Made it seem as though Damien and Jason could have been an alter boys. Oh, except Damien did have a cocky attitude and a pesky habit of dressing in all black and that was probably his downfall in Damien’s retrospect. Vedder says there is no evidence linking them to the crime. Mains says there is no evidence linking them to the crime. Depp says there is no evidence linking them to the crime. If you say there is no evidence linking to them to the murders enough times does that make it so? Basically, because there was a hair that matched Michael Moore’s step-father and the mysterious bloody stranger at Bojangles these three could just not have possiby committed these murders was the message I heard. Or, would it be the two women remembering years later that they remember Terry Hobbs with Michael Moore on the day of the murders. I have to wonder how many times the one woman came out of her house to yell “y’all get out of here now!” Just wasn’t convincing to me. Kind of like George remembering exactly what his granddaughter wore the last day he saw her and what TV show he was watching at the time. Would have loved to see the look on Baldwin’s and Echol’s face had an ice axe been placed before them, or perhaps let’s talk about your psych history for a bit Damien. Not relevant I’m sure would be the claim. I could see them getting a new trial, but being set free I do not get, nor will I ever get. I sure would have liked to have heard from Misskelley, guess that was part of the white-wash. Seems Damien is the “star” with Jason a close second. Have Damien and Jason conquered their old demons from the past, or just quietly biding their time…? I do hope Misskelley is able to avoid his demon of alcohol. Old habits do die hard.
Morgan says:
September 18, 2011 at 7:27 am
-General observations that I can’t work my way past in order to exonerate the WM3:
-Spotted in the area.
Hi Morgan,
I have never seen anywhere that someone spotted these three in the area. Do you know who it was who said they saw them there? Obviously, this would be very important. If you have a link, I would appreciate it.
Thanks
mjh
@ debbie dzula says:
September 17, 2011 at 9:42 pm
It’s what you didn’t hear on 48 hours, and there was A LOT left out. It was 1 sided and like c word’s 48 hours, the defense were the ‘producers’ so to speak.
I’m officially writing that show off my tv menu. You’re not going to get the truth from any of these sensationalized so called neutral journalistic tv programs.
This is it right here….BOC
And Blink, I done near fell on my nears by the comment made to you about ‘why’ you were asked to do this piece. If that’s true, it worked. However, let’s not forget these frauds will never really be free. They know the truth and they will carry the images of our cubs tortured bodies with them, forever. They are damned, so help them God.
PS. I’m curious to know if Johnny Depp’s ‘cameo’ was an old comment taken from another interview.
@Mom3.0
I actually haven’t paid too much attention to what Aaron said, because he supposedly changed his story so many times, and his mother made things up and admitted later that she lied on the stand.
But, you are right. They both spent a lot of time with Jessie, and probably talked a lot about everything.
I will have to go back and take another look at what Aaron said.
Thanks,
mjh
@mjh
You cannot effectively form a firm opinion on this case without reviewing the videos of young Aaron, imo.