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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jack dobson says:
September 21, 2011 at 8:01 pm
~snipped~
Two childhood friends who committed a murder together and then were behind bars for 18 years. What possible basis is their for this special term? Let me suggest one. Joint appearances on television and in front of audiences to pitch books and movies.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interesting that Jesse was left out of the loop on this, don’t you think??? Perhaps there’s concern that “loose lips sink ships” and they can’t afford to have him tag along on their tour…
You are correct Jack, it is sickening.
Dr.Pepper~
That is just too creepy!!! (re: post #34) Got goosebumps when I read that!!!
FYI -
http://www.ropesgray.com/files/upload/002081104RopesGray.pdf
Linked from the Ropes & Gray site:
http://www.ropesgray.com/steve-braga-west-memphis-three/?PublicationTypes=d22f8b16-736c-4f83-a532-c787f320b42b
@Valley Girl.
It is plain as day that if you throw Jessie Misskelley into the mix and the “wrong” question were asked the whole charade would unravel. CBS’ Forty Eight Hours Mystery intentionally didn’t interview Misskelley, for example, in its follow up to the story. I was part of a letter writing campaign to get some basic facts to them well before that show was in the can, and it would have been obvious if certain questions weren’t put to Jessie.
Tragically, most print and broadcast news outlets these days are small parts of media conglomerates. The news divisions are not profitable and the pure entertainment is. So if you are CBS or whatever, and know some heavy duty celebrities who bring in cash to the entertainment divisions are on board this fraud, the default position is to go with the money.
I intend to read Mark Fuhrman’s book blink recommended, which pertains to this horrific profiteering. I’ll also be traveling a lot in a few weeks and needed something to do anyhow.
@lizzy, 9/22/11 7:09 a.m. (thanks, I’m new here)
Get ready to be sick.
I was asked by someone with an interest in this case, and I cannot identify who it was, to check into the restitution aspects. The idea was that if the Son of Sam laws applied there could be family restitution.
Well, for starters, the idea of restitution apparently never crossed Scott Ellington’s mind. Hell, he may have a delusional “Profile in Courage” book lined up for all I know. Further, pure “restitution” normally is part of a plea agreement and it wasn’t mentioned here. Not that it matters much, because there is no probation or parole, simply a 10-year suspended sentence. Without a PO to keep tabs on things, this likely never would be enforced even if Ellington had bothered to attach this condition.
Now, as to Son of Sam laws, Arkansas has one. It has been watered down, as in most states, to the point of meaninglessness due to legitimate First Amendment concerns. And even as it applies in Arkansas, a law professor there made an argument (not very persuasive in my mind) that it didn’t apply to an Alford Plea. I’ll take that a step further. It is utter bullshit since an Alford Plea operates as a conviction in every other legal aspect. But this would be raised IF someone found how to apply the Son of Sam law and make it stick.
The bottom line is the West Memphis Three is a growth industry. Expect it to continue to boom until unpleasant facts find a large forum somewhere or, as I suspect, events spiral out of control due to re-offense or convict candor.
As to your second question, pardon the jargon. To boil it down, the lower court exceeded what the Arkansas State Supreme Court authorized it to do. I didn’t and still don’t believe jury verdicts, let alone in a capital case, can be set aside by the lower court under these circumstances. I haven’t seen that even attempted to be explained. Therefore, if an Arkansas State Supreme Court who justice decided to do so, he could force the local district attorney and the defense counsel petitioners to appear in front of him and explain themselves and why they shouldn’t be held in contempt. While rare, the ASSC also could refer Laser to the Court of Judiciary for sanction because of what he did. I don’t think either would happen, but it should. When Steve Branch, Sr., yelled the trial judge had “opened a Pandora’s Box,” he made a better legal argument than either the prosecutor or the defense.
Branch was escorted out of the courtroom as he should have been, of course, but I’m glad he put it out there although I wish it had been in a different manner.
Dear Krayon–Thanks for the link to the Ron Lax business. Verrry interesting, as it seems he got William Jones into his Mercedes and persuaded him to change his story re: Damien’s confession. I’m trying to imagine what it must have been like for these unsophisticated, underprivileged teens to be swept up into the orbit of the big city hotshots, including HBO, who descended on this case.
And yes, how bizarre that Jason and Damien get to associate but Jesse is excluded from the pack. I guess this means if he even tries to contact them he is in violation of his parole, and could be sent back to prison. That is a mighty big hammer they are holding over his head.
I’ve been offline for a few days with sick babies and whatnot. The comments are close to 800! I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning to read part 3. I’ve got lots of catching up to do in the comments section, so that’ll keep me busy/entertained until part 3 is posted.
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/jm_ridge2.html Jessie not sure of times of Phone calls
3 calls
Day before
Morning of Murder
*****After Dark*****Jason on line Damin in Back Ground
We did it We did It
What are we going to do now
What if somebody saw us—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
DETECTIVE GITCHELL: What time did you get there?
*A109 MISSKELLEY: I got there about 9.
DETECTIVE GITCHELL: In the morning?
*A110 MISSKELLEY: Mm-hmm.
DETECTIVE GITCHELL: Of Wednesday morning?
*A111 MISSKELLEY: Mm-hmm. (Heavy throat clearing–seems to be Gitchell)
DETECTIVE GITCHELL: And when. . .
DETECTIVE RIDGE: What time is it right now?
*A112 MISSKELLEY: Right now?
DETECTIVE RIDGE: Yeah, you don’t know what time it is?
DETECTIVE GITCHELL: Do you not wear a watch?
*A113 MISSKELLEY: It’s at home, my dad. . .
DETECTIVE RIDGE: So
*A114 MISSKELLEY: My dad woke me up this morning.
DETECTIVE RIDGE: So, your time period might not be exactly right, what you’re saying?
*A115 MISSKELLEY: Right
DETECTIVE RIDGE: That is, it was like early in the day, but you don’t know exactly what time. Okay, cause we got, I’ve got some real confusion with the times you’re telling me, but now, this 9 o’clock in the evening call that you’ve got, explain that to me.
*A116 MISSKELLEY: Well after, all of this stuff happened that night, that they done it
DETECTIVE RIDGE: Okay.
*A117 MISSKELLEY: I went home about noon, then they called me at 9 o’clock at night, they called me.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— —– DETECTIVE RIDGE: Okay. They killed the boys, you decided to go, you went home, how long after you got home before you received the phone call? 30 minutes, an hour?
*A247 MISSKELLEY: An hour.
DETECTIVE RIDGE: An hour after you got home. Okay, so they were there for a lot longer?
*A248 MISSKELLEY: Mm-hmm.
DETECTIVE RIDGE: When he called you on the phone, did he say that he had just got in?
*A249 MISSKELLEY: He, he, he did, he called me, when he first got, called me, he said, how come I, how come I left, and said, I couldn’t stand it, I had to do something else.——————————————————————————————————————————-
imo , this is proof that jessie knew the right time and was lying,ridge caught the lie,and outs it,and the time is correct.jessie originally told le he got a phone after he got home from crime scene,he originally says he got home ,around noon but the phone call came later that night, after dark. some he asks jessie how long were you home before you got the call? answer, an hour .bingo jessie verifies the time of deaths.
-snipped-
You have not heard a peep out of one of the two, jus’ sayin.
B
….but Vedder dig throw a ‘kegger’ for Echols and Baldwin. Nothing for Misskelly, however, it seems.
-snipped-
On a recent friday night in Memphis, 75 people gathered on a hotel rooftop overlooking the Mississippi River for a party hosted by Eddie Vedder. As the guests of honor – Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin, who had just been released after spending 18 years in prison – arrived, they were mobbed by friends and supporters for hugs and photos. Vedder gathered the crowd for a champagne toast – and then, joined by the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines, grabbed a guitar and sang Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
http://wm3org.typepad.com/blog/2011/09/how-rockers-helped-free-the-wm3.html
Mr. Depp seems quite. With Vedder, I say actions speak louder than words.
you guys do know jessie pulled a shoestring,for the tying up , i was just reading it and lost the link , trying to refind it . i think ,”speculation alert”:they were tied ankle to wrist because jessie had him in a wrestling hold ,what wrestling hold would facilitate ,being able to grab a shoestring out the shoe and tie a wrist to an ankle ,bet there is one.
For those who may have misunderstood my post about the water temperature. The point was that the report on the actual temperature could not have been anywhere near correct. The water would have been much warmer.
IMO ten mile bayou is NOT a bayou, but is a man made drainage ditch that allows various small creeks to drain areas of the land around West Memphis. Flows in these small creeks and 10 Mile Bayou are going to be next to nothing except when a rain storm creates high flows.
I have worked projects to determine average ground temperatures at levels from the surface to ten feet deep. In an area like West Memphis, one would likley find temperature stabilazation around six feet. That is, winter or summer, the temperature remains the same. If the small creek were spring fed, the water temperature would be cool, but not 60 degrees F.
Sometimes people do something that begins with a good motive, but continues even when evidence suggests that the original motive was flawed. The urge to do good overcomes the facts. This is “misplaced altruism” and can create a situation that benefits no one and even makes a situation worse than it was originally. This IMO is exactly what happened with some of those involved in funding the recent investigation and the resulting publicity.
I also believe that some who were involved saw this as an opportunity to make a huge return on their monetary investment.
The attorney’s involved have made a terrible error by disregarding the orders of the the court. This is how we have a breakdown of law. This is one of the things that bothers me the most. Will attorneys who are officers of the court, allow money and misplaced altruism to sway their thinking enough to ignore the law that they are sworn to uphold? If this is true, then the State of Arkansas is in trouble.
Blink
The leatherman “Juice” series of knives are listed as military tools. I don’t think they were intended to be “girly” knives.
Poor dad, he may have an organized shop but he will not know where anything is located except what is in plain view. You better be prepared to spend time showing him where everything is located once he gets over the shock of the do over.
Lol, I warned him at dinner last night, and he threatened usage of a tool on his adult daughter if I come near it.
I realized that I think he thinks that I worry about him as he gets older, because last year, well, he picked up the wrong edge of the tree trimmer, and had 16 stitches in his hand.
So I have decided that the man raised 3 daughters and has earned the right to have his tools wherever the hell he wants and I will stay out of it. When I have to pass by I will leave him a note like I used to in his lunchbox when i was little.
The best man I have ever known in my entire life is my Father, and he gets his own space without my interference.
B
You know, there has only been ‘slanted’ information available regarding this case. As Blink would say, I’m sitting in the Captain Obvious chair.
This needs to get out there. A documentary with details presented on BOC is pratically mandatory. I would sooooo love to see this on tv. I know it would get a mixed reaction, but it will still have the masses thinking a little differently.
What are the possibilities of such an event?
We have had some lite conversation, but to be honest, I think it has more to do with not wanting to interfere with the HBO rollout of 3.
B
@ GraceintheHills says:
September 21, 2011 at 11:27 pm
I always found there to be a few grains of truth to his confessions. He’s not a text book witness but I don’t see how LE could right him off either. He did offer information that only the perps would know (running after one of the boys).
I bet if you removed the inconsistencies, you’d have a few details that haven’t changed.
jack dobson says:
September 22, 2011 at 10:19 am
@Valley Girl.
It is plain as day that if you throw Jessie Misskelley into the mix and the “wrong” question were asked the whole charade would unravel. CBS’ Forty Eight Hours Mystery intentionally didn’t interview Misskelley, for example, in its follow up to the story.
_______________
I’m sorry for butting in and admittedly, I haven’t read through all of the comments so I don’t know if this has been addressed, but not only wasn’t Misskelly interviewed, when they mentioned the search they mentioned only Pam, and left Terry out of the search entirely. This irks me to end.
Susanm
Your question about the wrestling hold. I don’t believe that Jessie’s description was correct. IMO the little one was already unconsious from a blow to the head. Remember, Jessie liked wrestling. He would naturally want to showcase his skills when talking to someone.
Ragdoll
Your post about the party in Memphis just shows how people react to something that maskarades as celebrity. Our media is often responsible for this. IMO people who live for celebrity are easily mislead.
In regards to Misskelley and his timeline…
I tend to be nocturnal because it’s quiet and I can get work done. It doesn’t matter what time I wake up, THAT is “morning” for me.
A teenager who skips school and sleeps till after lunch might consider 3-4 pm his “morning”.
Just throwing that out there.
I actually think he was thrown off by the phrase dinner time. Very simply, his head went to dinner time.
B
ok, i just put my finger on it, in regards to the statements jessie made at the police station 6-3-93, these are being called confessions, in actuality,they are taped and recorded post polygraph interrogations,the interrogation yielded being there,not being involved , further interrogation ,yielded involvement but denial of harm,further interrogation yielded harm, but denial of killing. they are not confessions. so therefore applying, false confession markers,to theses statements are like comparing apples to oranges. his bible statement is a confession, (jeez,even jess knows the difference)
@ A Texas Grandfather says:
September 22, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Agreed and truer words were never spoken.
@ Blink,
Is it possible, say, down the road, a series could be presented? I hope you’re weighing on the ‘never say never’ side. The truth has NEVER been afforded to the families of the murdered boys or the public, except on BOC. I’d like to believe many have come to read here and critique both sides, but we know tv reaches a wider audience. What an oppty….in the future??????
Also, I’m semi interested in knowing Bill Clinton’s view on this case, being the former Govenor of the state. Maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment?
Ragdoll, there is some stuff going in the mixer, lol, when that “rises” I will let you know friendLY.
B
She only uses my name when I’m in trouble!
Thanks, sweet friendLY. You’re a saint for indulging me.
Many of the questions we have all been asking, Mr. Mark Byers answered in his statement http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/jmb1.html
Christopher was good friends with Aaron for awhile then he moved.. Chris was in cub scouts but he wasnt as interested in it as Stevie and Mike. He was closer to Stevie than to Mike. He had a crush on Mike’s little sister, Amanda. He told his mom and dad that she was his girlfriend.
Chris had a bike. He went played in and around those woods it seems alot, although his mom and dad said it wasnt a good idea.. Mr. Byers talks about the times he knows he was there, and also that he mostly stayed towards the bayou trails/area. Chris’s older brother also frequented the area alot, and rode his bike along the trials near the bayou.
Mr Byers and the other parents along with others thought they may have drown. Search and rescue was out in the bayou.
LE had been searching or them in boats.
Mr. Byers is the one that found the brown jacket, and it seems this jacket also had a disposable razor in it.
The parents, grandparents and brother, looked all over for these boys and talked to everyone they could about their concerns.
Mr. Byers statement is very informative, and heartbreaking. After reading it I think it is clear that he loved his little boy, step or not, it didnt seem to matter, and his dad makes him come to life on the page. Chris had just recently asked for money from the book fair. He got a book on bats. He was saving the change, 50 cents, for snack money. He was a very trusting, kind and loving little boy. Very inquisitive. he once ran home to get his dad to help someone he thought was dead. he had seen someone near the woods lying under their car, when Mark got there to help it was a man changing the oil in his car…
I suggest everyone read this statement. It covers alot.
AJMO
Blink’s article snipped:
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.
—
Hi Blink and all-
This information was one of things that bothered me too.
How could DE have known about the urine? He says it is because Steve jones told him on may 7th that whoever did this, urinated in the mouths of the boys.
But it was not common knowledge that Gitchell found this, and his findings were not published on May 7th. So how would Steve Jones know this?
Well it is known that Jerry driver and Steve Jones believed without a shadow of a doubt that a satanic cult was operating in West Memphis and it is well known that Steve Jones and JD thought these murders were satanic in nature and the victims showed signs of ritualistic abuse.
Jerry river was instrumental in setting up seminars for LE to learn all they could about what to look for in such crimes- Steve jones attended them as well as other LEO.
It is a well known that one of the most common elements of an abuser is to force their victims to drink urine.
LE were taught that this was one of the most common acts in these cases. So knowing this, it stands to reason that SJ was well aware of one of the most common signs in satanic ritualistic abuse- and it would stand to reason along with all the other questions he asked DE regarding his thoughts on “why” “How” ect, this would have been one of the questions… and would not mean that SJ knew for afact that these victims were forced to drink urine, but that it was highly likely, since he immediately thought these were ritualistic crimes after seeing the first body pulled from the water….
To show how common this deplorable act was in cases that involved satanic abuse, just google satanic ritual abuse and urine.
Here are some links the first is from a seminar for Wyoming LE, the second gives info on court cases yes its wiki but does document cases.-
http://soamc.org/tfh/FILES/Cults,%20Occult,%20Mysticism/Emergence%20of%20Ritualistic%20Crime/
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanic_ritual_abuse
and
http://associate.com/ministry_files/The_Reading_Room/False_Teaching_n_Teachers_3/Tracking_Satanic_Chrime.shtml
snipped:
“***NOTE Common elements combine to form a framework of evil. First a blood relative or trusted friend inducts a child. Secret ceremonies instill a ritualistic fear of evil, accompanied by robed and hooded figures, naked women on alters, hypnotic chants, goblets of animal blood, bottles of human flesh preserved in formaldehyde, and orgies between adults and children and children with animals. The eating of feces, drinking urine, sacrifices of babies, and taking of pictures for pornographic purposes are other elements that law enforcement authorities and therapists are beginning to uncover. Some cases of cannibalism have been reported.”
AJMO
Well “dinner” for me is what ya’ll call lunch and my “supper” is your dinner. Don’t know if that helps any but that’s what we’ve always called it where I’m from.
O, just don’t call me during it.
lol, I just totally stole that from Jane Lynch during the emmys.
B
Mom3.0
I know from experience that an adult can love a child unconditionally even if they are not the biological parent. I am as certain as are you that this is the case with Mr. Byers.
We as concerned adults and parents care that there are people in our everyday world who would cause harm to an innocent child. Somehow we must identify and remove those who are misfits.
#19 – powerful, gut-wrenching – I agree everyone must read
Blink – Any chance of writing a book? It would be so nice to have an alternative view out there instead of all the BS that keeps getting regurgitated.
You’re one of the few who know the truth and is acurately reporting it. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! We NEED you!
And I agree w/Ragdoll – a TV documentary is desperately needed as well! Let’s get the TRUTH out!
I think Johnny Depp should provide the funds for the book/TV doc since he can just throw millions at the WM3. He should feel some sort of remorse for that – maybe this will fix all that bad karma he’s put out there.(I can hope)
I appreciate the support but there are a few chapters to go yet in this one, I believe.
B
@Mom 3.0
While you’re in Occult mode, check out Occult Holidays (May 5 – Old Beltaine). That’s pretty interesting as well.
mom 3.0 ,i took no offense whatsoever, i was just razzin myself,i so appreciate they way you eloquently,challenge , it is very necessary for all angles to be viewed,. i recently got my first ever jury call, and the thought of actually doing jury duty ,has caused to me to view ,my “opinions”(i know the differnce) ,a bit more cautiously, the thought of accidently convicting an innocent person is scary. –on another note , the vicki jessie reward money, i saw where she expressed remorse for damien, ,but what exactly is she apologizing to jessie for? she didnt testify against him ,she just testfied that he arranged a meeting with damien and went along, or am i missing some transcipts? jessie was picked up to be questioned by police because he was named as a friend of damien’s,(who was a suspected of being capable)right?he didnt go in to give info.she would owe jessie an apology for not testifying at his trial that she worked on a confession with him, that wouldve cleared him,if his attorney heard rumor that jessie and vicki worked on a confession(or implication of damien)for a reward,and he didnt question her on the stand about it,then ,i would say malpractice,if he tried and the testimony wasnt allowed , then she should have been screaming it on the courthouse steps for the whole world and press to hear ,and she should still be saying it today.another variation could be that she was doing her sleuthing of damien for the reward and jessie scooped her,(he rolled on her game,and went for the reward himself with her sleuthing results?) well jessie didnt voluntary go into to the station to give them info(damien),for the reward money, he was called in, and started out denying ever being in robin hood hills.through interrogation techniques he started admitting minor involvement,while denying major involvement. and if he culled his info from town gossip , everyone knew the time they went missing. atg, i havent figured out when,why ,how the clothes came off . and was mm naked when he ran?whose clothes were not turned inside out?? does anyone know?i am thinking mm was the first one tied,when he was brought back. i am not sure yet but ,i think mm was tied as to not get away, the other two were tied so that they would drown ,i think ,jessie actually has given info that only someone there would , i am to suss it out.
Krayon-
According to that LE seminar I linked there were no observances on May 5- but if there were-it has already been established that these crimes were not Satanic ritualistic crimes —there was no witches esbat- or orgies in the woods or a cult in the area. BOTH the Prosecution and the Defense agree on this point now, as well as Blink- go back and read her articles… BTW the FBI could not find one case- but in 1986 LE had these seminars and Jerry Driver set them up for his personnel they thought this was true- and happening &in fact an epidemic of Satanic crimes/abuse.
In case you missed it-I take alot of time to research and in addition to finding other reasonable ways for luminol to show up the way it did, I also reasonably just answered through research, how DE could have been telling the truth about Steve Jones asking him about the urine-before that information was released
It was common knowledge, that this sick act, was perpetrated in these type of crimes-
Jerry Driver and Steve Jones thought these were satanic ritualistic crimes- therefore it is REASONABLE to conclude that he assumed the satanic perpetrators would have forced these boys to drink urine, afterall it is listed as far back as 1986 as one of the most common attributes of these crimes.
To All With Respect,
I think most are just dead set on their guilt or innocence- and any information that could point to other reasonable conclusions is ignored or worse yet brushed over with out so much as a HMMM that is very interesting point- or perhaps I was too hasty in my decision, perhaps they could be innocent or guilty.
Let me ask you this- cuz I already answered the question for myself- it’s one reason why I have so doggedly researched…
If someone you knew and loved had been accused of these crimes, and/or if you were the loved ones of the victims, wouldnt you want ALL the evidence and all The questions/info and research out front and center?
I would- and I think those of us on the fence have shown through our research and posts that there is reasonable doubt-
Whose regurgitating wrong info? I and others – are actally bringing forth information and ideas not seen before and we are respectfully challenging old information ect- thats not regurgitation thats analysis – and those of us not on board with the thoughts that they are definitely guilty- are doing it in an environment that is not altogether copacetic with our points-
All though Blink is very open to letting us voice our thoughts (thanks Blink) she is not making it a secret how she sees this case- you try disagreeing with her and the majority- it aint a fun place to be- so please stop with the regurgitating nonsense- and step back and view it from an unbiased perspective- maybe it is not “them” who have this case wrong, maybe it is you.
AJMO
Peace
I want to take a minute to acknowledge Mom 3.0. Grab a Fresca, coffee or Sanka, gonna be a longie.
Without contributors like Mom 3.0, I would have given this work up long ago. There are many of you like her, and some that are or were, and followed cases for a while and then life gets back to life, etc, and move on or just read, post occasionally, etc. All good, all healthy.
I have really never encountered such a strong contributor with such a level constitution and neutral dimeanor with which she approaches dissenting opinions, or in the more egregious cases, trolls, lol.
That said, for the most part, the discussions on this site on this case are constructive, progressive, and absolutely researched. That may mean nothing to someone who formed their opinion long ago one way or another, but to me, it means at least in part, I did my job right so far on this case, and doing so attracts the best critical thinkers and advocates from every walk of life and corner of the US you can imagine.
I am partly to blame for some of the belabored points, as I am not in a position to complete the series the way I would like, but that is just the way it is for now, and you know I will update as to why, when I can.
One of the VAST differences I would like to point out about dissenting opinions on this case, is that the ones any of us paid any attention to, which are several, are structured like Mom 3.0, or similar, where it counters points in the piece with LOGICAL argument, which frankly echos the track of our advesarial criminal justice process in the first place.
The longtime supporters who flew in here with my first piece, with nothing more than a Blink is bogus, Blink is illiterate every time I asked for just ONE EXAMPLE of an erroneous fact, or say, an alternative explanation, and what did I get? ( Well I won’t show you but it included threats and plenty of them, from idiots that think they are anonymous, er, ok.) I mean, who really expects to have just about everything wrong about the position of the bodies, how they are tied, and what is in their lumens to then tell me I do not know my ass from a hole in the ground, and storm off. I digress, but I have no idea why someone would even waste their time.
So, my point is, one of the best things about debate, is that the debate itself does not have to take a firm position of guilt or innocence. The reality is, everyone says well I would have reasonable doubt, but there is no way to know that unless you were a vior dire’d juror sitting in the trial, and went through the presentations of both sides, and formed your opinion with 11 other peers, rendering a verdict. Most specifically, the charging of the jury in Ark, specifically details the issue of direct vs. circumstantial evidence and if one applies that standard, I think it is clear how the juries got where they got.
Period.
I read with great interest your thoughts and research on Luminol, but one of the challenges in an 18 year old case, is that current re-agent study is not even commisurate with the 1993 result because just about every part of the testing, including ratios of chems, and how it bonds differently on different soils etc, was not even in play then.
It is apples to oranges, with the EXCEPTION, that should it be introduced at the evidentiary hearing , the defense would largely be able to introduce such current findings to refute it, without a doubt.
With much affection, I have to say I think your Steve Jones taught seminars and it was a “well known fact” that urinating in the mouths was a common topic depicting abuse is a huge stretch, assumptive, and beneath you, lol. That said, I can get tired of educating folks sometimes that don’t care to be, so slipping one of those in on occasion is like putting on extra deodorant, it can’t hurt and it will be there if ya need it.
I am being 100% forthright when I say that I do not understand how anyone can misinterpret the facts of the entire “urine in the stomach” debate. If I had to pick one thing that is completely unexplainable any other way than Damien Echols was there or knew someone that was, outside of any other evidence, it is that. Without rehashing 50 links, let’s agree that whether or not there was urine in the lumens of 2 of the boys, Peretti thought there was, and he thought that based on autopsy, and that occurred after Jones and Ridge spoke to Echols, and that is fact. That said, it never came in for a reason, what imbecile lost stomach contents? I can only imagine what that conversations sounded like from every corner of the building, for sure.
Which brings me to my next point, in response to asking if I was the family of a victim or the accused would I want every piece of evidence analyzed appropriately.
I am neither, and that is exactly what i wanted, without limitation, just like the Arkansas Supreme Court provided for in their reverse and remand order. Let’s agree that your points are very valid and you can cite that order in your corner, lol.
However, as you and the rest of the free world now know, the state of Arkansas, the AG and Prosecutor Scott Ellington, for reasons that, as stated, are flat out ludicrous and POTENTIALLY derelict, decided that above the constitution, juries in all trials, the appellate courts, and the elected justices- They should all suck it and this was his call.
Obviously a supporter is not going to care about that, they “won” they think. Does not matter that the people they supported and by support I mean both literally and figuratively, took a plea a few months short of having the opportunity to change their convictions potentially. I just watched the (now that is regurgitated, it was almost exclusively) 48 hours from last week, and Damien says they will be continuing the investigation from the outside, and Baldwin was selling some art stating that they need the money for further DNA testing.
I am anxious to see that play out, and if that “investigation” produces something exculpatory that $10Million and 5 years could not, I promise that will make my front page.
Nope, Jessie did not make this invite on the 48 hours show, either.
I had hoped that I could be less definite about my opinion as to their guilt, but my analysis, my resources, and my work, tell me not only that they committed this crime, but it is likely had they won a new trial, this would have had an entirely different ending. I have much to learn and I hope to do so, but the one thing I have absolutely become to trust after full analysis and review of a case, is to trust what my satellites are telling me without fail. Sometimes they will say, I am not sure, you need more work. Sometimes, like in this case, they will say, be a hell of an uphill battle to prosecute, but there is no question as to who killed these children. The lingering question is why, and to that, I believe it got out of hand and once that happened their was no turning back.
A very wise former FBI BSU director taught me:
When there is a crime you are investigating, you let the evidence guide you to the suspect, and your conclusions, without fail.
The minute you are trying to attach a suspect to a crime, in essence focused on an individual and how they fit as a suspect, instead of the other way around, you already have problems.
B
One of the things I have recently come to learn has left me with much to think about (like I got that time).
I read Mark Fuhrman’s book, The Murder Business, and he points out something I had never really considered as a journalist. He explained that the difference between investigators and media is that media has no interest in solving high profile cases, whatsoever.
You have frequently heard me “lose it” at the various and sundry softball questions asked in cases because I cannot fathom that someone would not research the material to ask the “million dollar questions” leading to hard answers in a case. HA! Joke is on me. Reporters or news hosts winning these interviews know it is in their best interest to keep the interest as high as possible on both sides, and they will never rock that boat.
In short, they don’t care one iota about guilt or innocence, they just care that their ad spend supports their popularity and salary. The good news is that you can be assured you will not see me reporting on any of those shows anytime soon, lol. Can you imagine? Mr. Baldwin, tell us about this- ( Blink pulls ice axe out from under the divan and crews start yelling and the camera goes to fade, lol)
B
susanm- good questions thanks for your response- i am happy to know you did not take offense.
I dont know if my thoughts are in actuality what happened- but the whole point of my sharing these thoughts is because they could reasonably be the truth of the matter-
Jesse babysat Aaron…Aaron was friends with Chris, and said he was there and viewed the murders and even participated, one May 6th, and these statements were very detailed although wrong statements -
Jesse was friends with Vicki aarons mom- Vicki had problems with the law
Jesse gave statements to police just like Aaron, which he was there and viewed the murders and even participated these statements were very detailed but wrong statements -is it so hard to make the jump that vicki may have had a big part in the why of it?
I agree both the defense and the prosecution failed to doggedly pursue every avenue – they did a disservice to little Mike, Stevie and Chris, they did a disservice to the parents and loved ones and to the community and the accused – and because they failed to do so, we are here now, 18 years later still trying to figure out the most basic question who killed these little boys-
AJMO
TGF thank you for making a point to underscore that thought- I am in total agreement- thanks for all you do.
Cindy thanks for reading Mr. Byers statement and commenting that you hope others read it also. Much appreciated
Graceinhills- hey I just wanted to say I appreciate all of your posts.
I found that link on temps ect to be very informative and I also wanted to say thanks for voicing your common sense opinions/facts- very interesting- please keep them coming.
AJMO
Blink- First let me say thank you for valuing my research and contributions.
My question wasnt to you, it was to all the people out THERE- you know, behind their screens- and it was rhetorical- although i was asking all of them nomatter their thoughts, guilty or innocent to take a step back and look at this case from a different perspective.
I know you research everything you post and I know you have many reasons for believing the 3 guilty that you are unable or unwilling to share. I get that.
I dont think we have to be on the jury to give an opinion on whether or not their is reasonable doubt in this case though- I can review the evidence and read their notes and judge for myself- I may end up with a different perspective- since I can not go back in time and feel what they felt- or hear from the jury foreman- or see the 3 at the defense table ect- but on the evidence I can give an opinion. JMO
I wasnt asking for you to acknowledge my posts Blink- I was commenting on my research- you dont need to comment on every post and certainly not mine- not on the Luminol and not on the seminars- but I am grateful that you took the time out of your day to do so.
I am a bit confuzzled that you think my research and thoughts on urine are “beneath me”, its okay, really- not all my ideas can be winners LOL…. but having said that, my research shows that “drinking urine” is listed as one of the top points, as well as this practice being testified to in other court cases involving satanic ritualistic abuse of children- such as in the Smithfield case, and the Westpoint Military Academy Daycare case, and the Presidio Army Day Care case- all these cases were from 1991 and before.
The seminar for LE which I linked to, gave reasoning behind making children do this
snipped:
E. Destruction of self-esteem is accomplished by many
methods, such as: making the child lick the shoes of the
tormentor, placing a child’s head in the toilet, inducing
defecation, smearing urine and feces all over the child and
making him or her remain dirty, eating excrement an drinking
urine. Much psychological reinforcement is added to these
physical acts to lessen the child’s sense of self as a worthy
person.
–
So, as much as I hate to disagree with you, I will have to disagree with you on the merit of my thoughts on Jerry Drivers seminars and what Steve Jones may have garnered from attending, and whether or not it is a stretch to reasonably conclude that SJ was aware of one of the most common deplorable acts perpetrated upon victims of SRA.-
Blink, you know I respect you and your work – that is the biggest reason I can not move off the fence- for you see, you tell me that you believe they are guilty beyond an inkling of a doubt- I have to take that fact into my thought process, because I know you would not believe it if you could get to any other conclusion.
So here I stay unable to profess innocence unable to declare guilt-
but willing to stick with you on BOC in spirit even if I am in disagreement on a stance ect, I’ll be here through part 3 and beyond- researching and commenting my heart out as long as my “real life” allows.
Hugs
Hugs to you as always, but I note that I do not believe Dr. Peretti ever attended any seminars attended by Steve Jones, nor have I seen any evidence a juvenile officer was training veteran detectives.
Teasing, we can absolutely agree to disagree- and I sincerely appreciate the weight you give my opinion, as I do yours.
Heart u
B
A beautiful response to Mom3.0 and others as well Blink. This openess and looking for truth rather than an opinion based on emotion is why I read here and post. I didn’t just come to this site and begin to post. I read the posts of others for many months prior to my first posting.
We as posters cannot be certain, but I believe that sometimes those involved with the cases discussed visit here and read. A new piece of knowledge or a new viewpoint may be the trigger that gets a crime solved and properly adjucated.
We all have our own life experiences. This is our truth base from which we work. The quest for knowledge and good reasoning skills is something that IMO every educated person should persue from the time they are able to do critical thinking until they have finished their time on the planet.
You are to be commended along with those who provide research and editorial help for providing a respected place where concerned people can come together to learn from each other.
Thank you, and thank you for acknowledging that the fact that we collectively care and want to know the truth, all sides of it, and aid in our efforts to make the crooked places straight, as my Mom would say.
B
TGF:
“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.”
____________________________
Agreed. 100%.
I agree that a better investigation would not lead to a different set of perps, but I believe a better investigation would have made these prosecutions teflon.
B
@Mom 3.0
I don’t think it was a ritual crime. I think it was a lot simpler than that.
Damien met a girl (Deanna…the pagan)and fell in love
Damien gets interested into what SHE is interested in & shows off
She breaks his heart
Damien tries to rebound (Domini), gets her pregnant
Damien feels trapped into a life he didn’t want
Depression, Desperation, Contempt…
taa daa (he went full-on to the dark side)
I saw that you were looking at Satanic rituals so I turned you onto some more info, that’s all.
@ Blink
“Blink pulls ice axe out from under the divan and crews start yelling and the camera goes to fade, lol”
Would LOVE that….or maybe just send him an ice axe with a bug in the package.
On Jessie and Vicki… I think it’s more likely Jessie confessed or partially confessed to Vicki. I believe he confessed to Buddy Lucas, and that there’s a good chance he confessed to Kim Floresca. So it would seem very much likely he also talked about it to someone as close as Vicki. To be clear, Vickie’s testimony and her motives were a total and utter mess, but I do think she might’ve known something.
krayon says:
September 23, 2011 at 6:47 pm
Krayon, interesting analogy! Am I wrong to assume that you believe Deanna is responsible then for Damien’s dabbling into the occult? May I, and most respectfully, suggest to you that long before there was a Deanna, Damien was “dark”. Finding Deanna, imo, someone who at long last understood all that was already Damien, had to seem like a godsend to him. She, imo, and the spiritualism she practiced, helped him to make sense of himself, as he already was, once a severely traumatized and confused child to a full blown psychotic.
I don’t believe that Damien is a Satanist. I believe he’s a victim of his own mental illness that has yet to be acknowledged and appropriately dealt with, which causes him to still be a danger to society. Time will play this out as it will, as it always does, I have no doubt.
I have included a link at the end of this page for your consideration, after you read the following:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/gwoods.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/schizoaffective-disorder/DS00866/METHOD=print
It was never Deanna, nor the occult, nor Wicca, nor the church in which he “found” himself as well, for a brief period of time, it has always been Damien, for as far back as he can remember; the same Damien who was so mentally and emotionally insufficient that he was quite capable of murdering Christopher, Michael and Stevie.
Again, occultism made sense of himself to him.
imo of course
Whether the murders were part of a specific satanic ritual or not, they were evil and in my book that involved satan. No, I don’t think Damien followed a “how to sacrifice a child satanic manual”. I do think he was a mentally disturbed teenager who was Very enamored with evil, witchcraft, all all things dark. I found this post on another site and find the explanation as to why the prosecution describes satanic rituals very interesting. I would definitely put Damien in the “dabbler” category, and can understand why the prosecution needed to make the association.
Was this a Satanic ritual killing?
Nope.
But then it wasn’t presented as one either – nor were the defendants said to be Satanists.
Fogleman was very clear in his closing argument why Echols “satanic” evidence was presented:
This satanic stuff–satanic picture in and of itself does that mean they’re Satanists or anything like that? No. This mean in and of itself, Satanist? No. But, why present it? Why present this stuff? And by the way this doesn’t have anything to do with Wicca, doesn’t have anything to do with it. The reason to present it, is that to try to inflame you all and make you all so angry because it’s something different–because it’s something different and something we don’t understand? Is that why we would present it? No, not at all.
When you looked at those pictures of what was done to those three little boys, could you understand it? Could you have any reason to understand why someone would do that to three eight-year-old boys? Well, you’ve got three eight-year-old boys done that way, and then you got the defendants looking like choirboys during the trial–during jury selection. In fact, think back to jury selection when the defense trying to say, well, as they sit here right now what do you think about them? And either you or your fellow juror–you heard a fellow juror say, I think they look like typical kids. Well, think how hard it would be for you to conceive of typical teens doing what was done to these three eight-year-old boys. And I think you’ll understand why the need to put on this evidence.
It was character evidence, and nothing more.
Griffis was presented simply to show Echols was a “Self styled dabbler” in Satanism, and that’s what he testified to.
In a report from the FBI done prior to these crimes during the “satanic panic” of the 80′s, Kennith Lanning set out to find cases of “satanic ritual killings”.
http://www.skepticfiles.org/mys3/lanning.htm
He scoured the largest criminal database on the planet and he never found one.
What he did find were several distinct catagories of “Satanists” – some of which committed “satanic” crimes, or crimes with trappings of occultism.
1. Youth Subculture – Most teenagers involved in fantasy
role-playing games, heavy metal music, or satanism are going
through a stage of adolescent development and commit no
significant crimes. The teenagers who have more serious
problems are usually those from dysfunctional families or
those who have poor communication within their families. These
troubled teenagers turn to satanism and the occult to overcome
a sense of alienation, to obtain power, or to justify their
antisocial behavior. for these teenagers, it is the symbolism,
not the spirituality, that is important. It is either the
psychopathic or the oddball, loner teenager who is most likely
to get into serious trouble. Extreme involvement in the occult
is a symptom of a problem, not the cause. This is not to deny,
however, that satanism and the occult are negative influences
for a troubled teenager. But to hysterically warn teenagers to
avoid this “mysterious, powerful and dangerous” thing called
satanism will drive many teenagers right to it. Some
rebellious teenagers will do whatever will most shock and
outrage society in order to flaunt their rejection of adult
norms.
2. Dabblers (Self-styled) – for these practitioners, there is
little or no spiritual motivation. They mix satanism,
witchcraft and paganism. Symbols mean whatever they want them
to mean. Molesters, rapists, drug dealers and murderers may
dabble in the occult and may commit their crimes in a
ceremonial or ritualistic way. This category has the potential
to be the most dangerous, and most of the “satanic” killers
fall into this category. Their involvement in satanism and the
occult is a symptom of a problem and a rationalization and
justification of antisocial behavior. Satanic/occult practices
(as well as those of other spiritual belief systems) can be
used as a mechanism to facilitate criminal objectives.
3. Traditional (Orthodox, Multigenerational) – These are the
true believers. They are usually wary of outsiders. Because of
this and constitutional issues, such groups are difficult for
law enforcement to penetrate. Although there is much we don’t
know about these groups, as of now there is little or no hard
evidence that they are involved in serious, organized criminal
activity. In addition, instead of being self-perpetuating
master crime conspirators, true believers probably have a
similar problem with their teenagers rebelling against their
belief system.
Now, Lanning claims “The teenagers who have more serious problems are usually those from dysfunctional families or those who have poor communication within their families. These troubled teenagers turn to satanism and the occult to overcome a sense of alienation, to obtain power, or to justify their antisocial behavior.”
Over and over again Echol’s mental health history speaks of his dysfunctional family, his issues of control, obtaining power over others, and his total lack of compassion for anyone but himself – from his first comittal in 92, to his out-patient therapy just weeks before the crime. He wasn’t just a misunderstood “Wiccan” with “teen angst”, he was a violent psychotic drug abusing sociopath who dabbled in the occult.
Lanning goes on to say “It is either the psychopathic or the oddball, loner teenager who is most likely to get into serious trouble.”
Echol’s mental health history leaves nothing to the imagination there.
But further, Lanning noted “Dabblers (Self-styled) – for these practitioners, there is little or no spiritual motivation. They mix satanism, witchcraft and paganism. Symbols mean whatever they want them to mean.
This category has the potential to be the most dangerous, and most of the “satanic” killers fall into this category.”
This catagory was discussed at trial as well.
Q: Now, do you have something called a self-styled satanist?
A: Yes, those are — that boils down, counselor, with the different types of groups.
Q: Okay.
A: Which would start out with an experimenter, usually one who practices alone in an unorganized manner, a self-styled occultist and we are talking here only in the field of satanism. And this person has some kind of problems in life and they use the trappings of occultism to get along. Then we have an occult cult group, and this has a little charismatic leader and some followers. Sometimes they got a name for their group, sometimes they don’t have a name for their group. But they use — all three of those use the trappings of occultism.
See, the Prosecution couldn’t present Echol’s psych history unless the Defense entered it, so they couldn’t show the jury his history of violence and drug abuse, his psychotic disorder, his dysfunctional family, or his issues of controling and demeaning others, but they COULD show the jury that Echols was a “self styled” dabbler in Satanism – and they did, through Griffis with Echol’s own writings.
Q: I wanna show you State’s Exhibit 110 and ask if you – if you’ll look at that and also — have you seen that before?
A: Yes sir, I have.
Q: If you’ll look through that again.
A: Yes sir.
Q: Alright, and what does that appear to you to be?
A: What I would refer to as a partial book of shadows.
Q: Book of shadows —
A: A partial.
Q: — partial.
A: Partial.
Q: Alright. Now, the items drawn on the front, what is that?
A: That is a pentagram, that happens to be a Wiccan, or white witchcraft pentagram.
Q: Alright. Now if you would open the book to the front page.
A: Yes sir.
Q: Alright. Now, explain what that is.
A: That’s confusion to me.
Q: Alright.
A: And the reason why we’ve got a white witchcraft pentagram, then we have upside down crosses which comes from another type of occultism.
Q: What type of occultism do the upside down cross come from?
A: That’s black witchcraft.
Q: Black witchcraft?
A: Yeah, and that is at the stations.
Q: That’s what?
A: That’s at what we call the points, the five points.
Q: Alright, what significance does that — that it’s at the five points?
A: Usually in traditional occultism — excuse me — satanism they’ll have various activities take place or —
Q: Okay. Now —
A: — figures —
Q: In white witchcraft or wiccan do you have upside down crosses?
A: No sir.
Just as the category Lanning had described years earlier, To Echols, symbols meant whatever he wanted them to mean, and he mixed Satanism Witchcraft, and Paganism into what he called “Demonology”.
Like it or not, that’s relevant.
And the fact is, the only “satanist” catagory Echols DIDN’T fall into was the traditional or “true believer” Satanist.
The real ones.
The ones for which no evidence of serious criminal activity exists.
He was the very definition of the type “satanist” who has traditionally committed violent crime – the psychotic, drug addled self-styled teen dabbler from a dysfunctional family who had issues of obtaining power over others.
Lanning isn’t simply speculating on a “psychological mindset” like some sort of profiler, he developed these distinct catagories through researching documented historical examples.
This wasn’t real “satanic panic” – the people of West Memphis weren’t afraid of cloak wearing, latin speaking figures lurking in the shadows snatching babies, they were afraid of a group of stoner anti-social teens who sat around campfires tripping, killing animals, and playing “devil worshiper”.
And they had a right to be afraid, because that silly crap was going on at the time.
Witness after witness reported going to these little get togethers, and police found the remnants.
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/jdreport.html
Now, whether you are willing to accept it or not, those are the type folks who are most likely to commit just such a sick and sensless crime, and the fact that Echols was one of them is relevant.
Like Rod Ferrell, Richard Ramirez, Ricky Kasso, and a host of others.
Echols and his gas-huffing, anti-social, heavy metal “devil worshiper” pals did this crime – make no mistake about it.
They were out there in those woods stoned and drunk when the kids came by, they started bullying and humiliating them and in a frenzy, the brutality escalated into savage murder – just as Misskelley described, and just as the evidence clearly shows.
The simple fact is, There was no motive.
They did it just to see what it was like, and they bragged about it to anyone who would listen.
Sorry Blink for the long post above. I meant for there to be quotation marks beginning with “was this a satanic”.
If the post is too long, I understand your not posting it. I should have linked it. Sorry.
my 9:28 pm post should have been more clear where the “post” from antoher board came from and where it begins. The site is http://www.downonthefarm and the post is under a heading of “Motive?” authored by Farm. The quote begins at “Was this a satanic ritual killing?” and continues to the end.
Is it true you are making a documentery? Awesome news, this is so necessary. Which channel will it be aired on?
?
B
Thanks Blink- agree to disagree. I look forward to part 3
kathy, Respectfully—–there were NO signs or evidence of a satanic anything to these crimes- not dabblers- not high priests not “real ones” not anything-
Steve Jones and Jerry Driver and Griffis were wrong-
Yeah Fogelman was very clear in his closing arguments- none of this means anything- but cue scary organ music…when you take it all into consideration… it means these boys have no soul- crescendo of organ music begins to fade out…
Please, nothing plus nothing + BS opinion + fanning the fear of “dabbling devil worshipers” STILL = nothing in the way of REAL evidence
Please do not come here spewing your bias filled hatred inducing ignorance which has nothing to do with fact.
Please Dont talk as if you know what exactly happened, and why it happened.
kathy I do not accept your opinion that “those are the type folks who are most likely to commit just such a sick and senseless crime,”
Damien checking out books and listening/quoting metal, and searching for the truth- in all religious philosophies, does not make him a dabbler in anything it makes him just another teen on a mission to find the answer to the question “why are we here” ..ect.
There is no evidence that Damien or JB or JM sat around campfires and did so “tripping” just as there is no evidence that they killed animals and there is absolutely no evidence that he or JB or JM “played devil worshipers”
Kathy says: Echols and his gas-huffing, anti-social, heavy metal “devil worshiper” pals did this crime – make no mistake about it.
This statement is so outlandish and totally biased I will just say whatever&
You do not know if these 3 undoubtedly committed this crime – you are basing your opinions on outdated info the State does not subscribe to this “theory” any longer- and IF the 3 did this, you certainly can not claim to know that their taste in music or their recreational although stupid “huffing” had anything to do with it.
BTW they were not antisocial- they had quite a few friends- had jobs played sports, went to school functions like football games, and went to skating rinks and all the rest
You can not say there was NO Motive- you can say you dont know what the motive was, but if you go so far to say IDK the motive, then you must accept the fact that to bring up their Heavy metal music and and reading books on witchcraft ect is not reason to condemn them as the killers either.
Kathy witness after witness were wrong and have recanted and as I linked to the video of those “remnants” it was graffiti not satanic in nature, just stupid and crass- and typical for any low income area in that day and time. There were no bonfires in the woods and LE found a dead cat in a box under an overpass and a box of bird bones- homeless people have pets and they eat pigeons ect- and they even sometimes wait for it… cook the birds on an open flame ie a “campfire”
Kathy says:
They were out there in those woods stoned and drunk when the kids came by, they started bullying and humiliating them and in a frenzy, the brutality escalated into savage murder – just as Misskelley described, and just as the evidence clearly shows.
- Are you kidding me? Were you there? This isnt a scene from Stand By Me- If it were, then DE and all would never have gotten into that water- leeches you know? Miskelly Never described anything of the sort- he changed the details so many times NOONE can be certain of what happened or IF it happened.
Thanks for sharing your opinions, BOC is afterall a place to share them, but KIM they are ONLY your opinions…so please in the future be sure to state them as such, otherwise some misinformed readers may take your opinions as fact-
AJMO
aarg- kathy just reread your post to see if I missed anything and it seems I missed the fact that those werent your thoughts but someoneelses from somewhereelse…that you agree with- Blink doesnt usually let us do that, so I apologize foroverlooking it…
well heck my thoughts still stand, but I dont know if you can label them your opinion only, as they are someone else’s too-LOL-
Hmm Ill have to think on it… and I walk off humming the tune “its not easy being green”…
AJMO
I missed that entirely, was she using another person’s comments from elsewhere without attribution?
If so, Kathy, please provide a link and snip, I appolly if I missed it.
B
In response to Morgan’s post (September 23, 2011 at 9:06 pm)
Post link:
http://blinkoncrime.com/2011/09/02/the-west-memphis-series-part-ii-guilty-by-plea-and-have-been-set-free/comment-page-16/#comment-1756434
(BTW…what IS the proper format for responding to posts here? I’ve seen many different methods)
Damien was a smart kid being brought up in the Bible belt by crappy parents. With that kind of introduction to religion, not wanting any part of it is completely understandable.
It appears as if Deanna was going through something similar herself when they met and She had turned to the occult. In his book “Almost Home”, he brags about how he likes to impress Lorri with his knowledge of things she’s interested in, but he never really gets into what he did to impress Deanna.
Deanna dumps him, Damien finds out she cheated on him and attacks the other guy. Deanna rewards him for his violent behavior by taking him back. They run away, get caught, she dumps him again.
Here come the shrinks. Damien goes full on dark. FTW, he doesn’t care about anything anymore. Deanna thought she was dark? Ha…Damien will SHOW you dark.
Trying to keep it short but you can see where my brain’s at. Personally, I don’t think he’s as physically violent as people give him credit for. He needs other people for that. Pretty much a coward for the most part so he needed to be drunk to follow through.
No turning back now. He jumped the shark (sortaspeak)
Kathy
Your #38 post in the last three paragraphs IMO is exactly what happened. The three victims may have said something that triggered the response, but the brutal result was created by all that went on before in the lives of the three perps.
Mental problems and the teenage desire to be important by dressing and behaving differently as well as applying things of which they had little real understanding created the brutal attack on the three little ones.
The scary thing is a group of people with money and misplaced motives have affected the release of three people from confinement to once again be free to perform another atrocity on the public.
Some of you have probably already seen this but it’s a great breakdown of the fiber evidence (for those interested)
http://www.findadeath.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3326&page=10
Check out Joseph’s posts.
krayon says:
September 23, 2011 at 11:53 pm
It has been said, though I don’t know the particulars, that Damien’s childhood was plagued with numerous abuses, neglect and abject poverty, all of which contributed to his disordered state of mind and being.
From what I’ve read, and especially all that’s been provided by Callahan and the 500, as well as taking into consideration much of what Damien has said himself, it isn’t a stretch to say that he’s quite probably been bipolar since childhood, as well, but this went undiagnosed and untreated, until his teenage years when his fluctuating behaviors made it necessary to Baker Act him, more or less, and repeatedly.
Had he been properly diagnosed and treated, as a child, had certain intervention been in place during the way back when he was kid, I absolutely believe that Stevie, Chris and Michael would be alive today, but he was not, and though there were periods of time when he did receive the help he needed, such times were all too short lived, and all too soon he was left to his own devices, again. I’ve been meaning to look into what particular meds he was administered, and what his behaviors/thought processes were during those times when he was being treated, but haven’t as yet. Lithium? Depakote? Tegretol? Zypreza? It would be interesting to know.
I do find him to be rather brilliant, and certainly talented. Many bipolar disordered people are.
As a child, I don’t believe that either of his parents understood (nor did they care to) all that was wrong with Damien, from his hearing voices to his numerous delusions, and I sometimes wonder if it wasn’t suggested to him or about him, within his range of hearing, that he was “possessed” by the devil or demons, at a rather young age, and that stuck to him, causing him to believe that he was so possessed. I wonder if at some point this wasn’t brought to the attention of the Catholic church, or perhaps even a more charismatic pastorate and some form of exorcism performed on him in lieu of psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
In essence, I guess what I’m trying to figure out is if Damien was lead to believe, from early childhood, that he was evil, or there was some evil within him, that he just learned to accept and work to his advantage. Being so dark certainly earned him a great deal of attention, and in my opinion he’s always craved attention, and he’s always wanted to be or thought he would someday be, famous. He has told us as much, hasn’t he?
This is where my head’s at, anyway, which is why I say that he aligned himself with the “dark side” and Deanna, being dark herself, was one of the few who accepted him for all that he believed himself to be, as no one before her ever had.
I’ve got to run, but I look forward to your response.
@blink & @ mom 3.0, I am very sorry for the confusion. I do not find the ipad easy to post links and comment. I did try to send out a couple “sos’s” after I posted.
My main reason for wanting to post this, were the comments regarding why the prosecution made the connection to the jurors. And even more important to me, was the reference to the fact that the prosecution could not bring up any of the mental health history of Damien’s, which is abundant with concerns that Damien might harm himself or others.
Let’s just say I wont do that again, I could tell right away that it was confusing.
@mom3.0 – I understand you are passionate about the truth in this case, and have appreciated your research and posts. I haven’t had much time to read any notes, reports etc. of Steve Jones, but I intend to. It seems true that he interjected the idea very quickly that Damien might be involved in this crime and made comments as such. The question for me is, was this his own personal witch hunt, or was it based on truth of what he observed with working with Damien and other kids in this area? This is someone who had a pretty good window into all of Damiens words, actions, troubles and attitudes. I’m not ready to throw him under the bus, though I will try to see if there is some alterior motive to pointing the finger at Damien. The way I see it, it is a possibility that he was doing his job and had sufficient reasons to follow up after the crime and recommend the police consider Damien. My thoughts are that Steve Jones was quite familiar with Damien’s mental health history as now presented on callahan’s as exhibit 500 (I believe). All in all, I am sorry to have caused the confusion, hoping maybe you feel better for letting off some steam? Its okay to be green (but I’m not 100 percent on what green means!)
@ atg – You have probably figured out that those paragraphs came from another site, I apologize!
MOM3, xoxo, know that I am working on a response to your last few comments.
It’s going to take a bit. (hugs) I so value your opinions.
Blink-
Kathy just brought over a post she thought interesting and I missed the sentence where she said so- (long night)
I was basically debating myself as it wasnt a continuation of the discussion here but from elsewhere. Sorry again Kathy
Note to self-: Be sure to read each sentence very carefully
Kathy apologized for not being more obvious, & she did link to the post in her follow up posts – but they didnt show up until after I had already replied and hit submit.
Not your fault Blink- just a misunderstanding.
Thanks