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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I was googling around for something & found this on another forum.
(I’m summarizing)
-”Urine in the stomach” was a rumor that began because Gitchell questioned if the brown substance in Michael’s stomach could be urine.
- No lab report showing urine in any of the boys’ stomachs was ever released.”
-The defense requested the urine to prove it didn’t exist.
Devil’s Knot refers to the urine/stomach evidence as being a closely guarded secret held by the investigators that got leaked to Damien. That sounds to me like the author believed there WAS urine/stomach evidence.
Sooooooo…..did we have urine in 2 stomachs or didn’t we? Argh.
On another note..
Deanna DID say that she was a black witch. Damien refers to her as a “High Priestess” in his interview but in all the other documents & statements I’ve found it always seems as if he completely denies any involvement with cults or black magic other than reading. He only claims actively practicing Wicca (even tho he dissed it in his book). Again, he doesn’t go into details about what he did with Deanna & to what lengths he went to impress her. Why deny all the scary stuff? He’s admitted to being stupid in other areas. Damien usually likes to show off so why doesn’t he? Does he not want to freak out his supporters?
Witch statement: http://callahan.8k.com/cgi-bin/i/images/deannah2.jpg
Damien interview: http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/dwe.html
I still think his love for Deanna & depression over it set him on the edge of the cliff. Antidepressants & alcohol pushed him on over. Motivation: Love (there’s a scab there to be picked)
I have just stumbled upon this site and an interview with “Blink”, I am assuming based on what I’ve gathered, she is supposed to a legitamite, unbiased journalist who has learned about this case at the urging of Johnny Depp’s publicist and is now forming her own, unbiased opinion based on the facts. Though, so far I have only read and heard her speak inconsistencies and spread what sounds like some type of right wing propaganda. She is now saying she has uncovered evidence regarding the “real” murder weapon which was never entered into evidence? This is absurd, and if she was familiar at all with this case, she would know the most likely reason no one is concerned with this so called evidence is because we now know that no murder weapon was used to inflict any of the wounds made to these 8 year old boys. The wounds which were originally thought to be from a knife of some sort have been determined by the prosectuion and defense to be post mortem animal bites and scratches. A blunt object may have been used to beat the boys, but there is no evidence of any type of “murder weapon”. This is only one of the many unfactual statements I have heard this “journalist” state. You can talk about the other so called “checkbook” journalists, however you appear to be a step beneath someone as biased as Bill O Reilly. Please stop misinforming your readers about this case. This is a very sad case which has no justice because the real killer has never been caught and will most likely never be pursued becuase people, such as yourself, don’t have the intelligence to understand it is ok to admit when you’ve made a mistake, in fact, it makes you appear more intelligent and accountable. Know what you are talking about before you present it as fact to a bunch of clearly impressionable, misinformed people.
Oye.
I can’t tell you seriously I take criticism from a poster who CLEARLY never read my work on this case, if you had, I presume your referring to the ice axe, btw, it WAS in evidence, and 3 witness statements put it in Baldwin’s posession, including his little brother who had return it secretly.
Again, I have no idea how to respond when it is clear you have not read what it is you think I got wrong, or researched the specifics at all. I have never and will never have a problem admitting it if I get something wrong.
I am going to do you a kindness today and leave the “Educated person” as your handle vs. the content of your post alone. Ragdoll will probably handle that so well I can’t post it again, but I will be lucky enough to howl up in here, privately. That gal can snark.
LOL
B
@mjh
“If these three really did this, and people were out searching in that area for the three little boys from 6:30 pm on, why is it that nobody spotted any of these three in the area? Nobody heard any screams or commotion going on? Nothing?”
Nobody searched in the woods till later. First they were looking for them around the block, and then Dana Moore went looking for Michael in her car at about 7. The Byers family searched in their car too. At 8 they notified the police, and only then the search started in earnest – going into the woods, etc. By then, the murders would’ve been committed, and the boys’ bodies submerged.
“When Michael Moore’s sister went to find him for dinner, she said she saw three males come out of the woods, two black and one white. Did they ever find out who these three males were?”
Yeah, I’d love to know the answer to this too. I firmly believe the WM3 committed the murders, but I have always wondered why this wasn’t followed up on. Or maybe it was, and I’m just forgetting something? Anyone know more about this?
“Nobody heard any screams or commotion going on? Nothing?”
I don’t think anybody heard anything, except Ryan Clark and his friends, who heard some loud splashes, rustling and possible running in the woods, and what they said sounded like a gunshot.
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/brias.html
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/ryanclark.html
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/rclark.html
@k
Well if that is the case doesn’t that make me right?
How could they leak what they did not know yet ?
@EP, 3.
What’s more absurd: a “real murder weapon” in evidence or a claim of “real killers” other than the three who were convicted by a jury and convicted again when they entered an Alford plea?
I think the thing that sets me most on edge about this case is how lies and misinformation have replaced facts and objective reality. It is a sad commentary on what passes for critical thought these days.
@ educated, you just had to throw ‘right wing’ talking point in there and assume you were the more educated here going by your handle. Then you show your own ignorance with your lack of factual information to support your position. Instead you resort to insults and arrogance. If Johnny Depp’s publicity people did indeed ask Blink to research this case, that implication has clearly sailed over your completely biased, in more ways than one, mind. Come back and chat when you can leave the superiority and arrogance at the door. Otherwise you can shuttle back and forth between Moveon.org and whichever WM3 supporter sites you can find.
To confirm, I am legally bound to NOT DISCLOSE who requested my review of this case, but I can say that Mr. Depp’s agent is aware of my findings, and has not responded to any requests for comment.
B
@Blink
I personally haven’t seen any document definitively saying that there was urine in the 2 stomachs. I’ve read about the phone call to Gitchell, read about the letter from the lab but haven’t seen that letter posted anywhere.
That’s not to say that the document & phone calls didn’t exist. I believe the urine was there, but the supporter’s argument that I mentioned argued that there never was urine in the stomachs and that’s why the defense attorneys were requesting said urine for additional DNA testing.
If there never was any urine then Devil’s Knot is flat out wrong (because the author claims it was evidence that was held back and kept secret…yet leaked to Damien).
If there never was any urine then the supporters are flat out claiming that these documents referring to it being found were fabricated.
By that logic, if the cops were willing to fabricate a phone call & a document then why not fabricate enough evidence to make this case airtight and screw the confession.
It all makes a crazy loop and comes right back to guilty for me.
K, that letter is posted on this site.
Here it is for quick reference:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/img/kermitc1.html
In my post to Whatevs, iirc, I also pointed out something very important, imo. LE began taking URINE samples of some potential suspects . They were not run for drug screens, the order stated any biological connection to the murders for comparison.
The point for me is not whether or not it is provable that there was or was not urine in the stomachs, let’s face it, it would be very easy to claim ( from defense) that the “3″ urinated in a beer can and the kids picked it up and drank it themselves ( again, if it ever came to that.).
There is never and there never will be a way to explain how Damien mentions “he was told” the boys were put in the water to flush the urine out of their mouths by Steve Jones on May 7th, as referenced in Bryn Ridges notes on May 10th when not one person knew that was a possibility for consideration, because Peretti had not even examined them prior to that conversation. There were other issues he raised that I personally believe reflects inside knowledge, but this fact in particular, can never be disputed, imo.
B
Educated person is probably the lady on the subway we all saw the video of on the news. “I am a very educated person BLAH BLAH BLAH! Where do these people come from? I give up….but you sure bring em outta the woodwork, Blink!
Lucy says:
September 10, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Lucy, thank you for responding to my questions. I did know that Ryan searched and heard the splashes, etc., but it was later, around 9.
I had not read the testimony of Brit,though, and it made me feel so bad. Here was Ryan saying, “Chris, if that’s you, this is not a funny game”, and that poor baby and his friends were dead out there. I know that this was not what they ever expected to find. It’s just so horrible, I can’t even explain how I feel right now.
Mom3.0
Good to see your post. I was really worried that you had become upset that your post were not getting through and perhaps thought that Blink was blocking them. I knew that was never going to happen.
The blank spots in your decoration “blanket” (read Ragdoll) is space for your brilliant posts.
I know you are busy getting three back in school.
I spent three hours this morning going back over some of the documents in the trials. One of the things that bothered me most was the portion of the interogation of Jessie by LE. He wanted to tell them about the events, but he still wanted it to be mixed up so it was hard to determine just exactly what had occured. This IMO was his attempt to tell LE some things that would take them off in another direction to possibly absolve himself from direct participation.
He states that he was not close enough to see exactly what was going on, but then tells things that would make that a lie. He deliberately tells LE the wrong times and that the boys had skipped school.
The one thing that has always bothered me in this case was Damien’s need to kill animals. What did he use to kill them? A dog will fight as long as it can. If you have a knife to attack a dog, you will likley get bitten. If you have a weapon such as the ice axe, a dog could be easily killed without the dog being able to bite the attacker.
I think the ice axe was being carried in Damien’s belt. The boys were called over to the site where the perps were gathered. Damien and Jason each grabbed one. Jessie, being drunk, was not able to grab the third who ran down the bank to the pipeline right-of-way and then followed it into the field toward the truck wash. Jessie was able to run him down and take him back to the area.
On the way back Jessie removed the shoes of the one he caught near the pipeline blow-off stack. That is why we see the photo of the sock near the stack. IMO Jessie is a lot more involved in beating the boys than he tells LE.
Each of the boys is knocked unconcious with fists. Then they are stripped and tied with the shoe laces. For whatever reason, Jessie describes the sexual activities performed on the unconcious children.
If it happened, there was nothing that the ME found that he could make a positive statement regarding this activity. Not ever the urine that was later described since it was mixed with the other stomach contents.
Following the beating with the fists, I believe that Jason and Damien realized that if they let the boys go, they would be in very big trouble. Out came the ice axe and the boys were beaten to death with it including all the cuts to the scrotum and head areas.
Jessie tells LE that Jason and Damien were both wearing boots similar to combat boots, but not exactly alike. Blink thinks that the toe of one of these boots caused the large damage at the base of the skull on one of the victims. I can’t disagree with that, but it could also be caused by a swing of the axe that caused the center head of the axe to strike the area. That is a curved surface similar to that of a boot toe.
Jessie tells LE that he left the scene while the boys were still on the bank. The boys were then picked up and taken to the area on the creek where they were found. The clothing had to be picked up and concealed as well as the bicycles hidden in the bayou.
All of this probably transpired in a period of twenty minutes. It is even possible that Damien and Jason were still in the woods when the first searchers reached the scene.
The one thing that is never documented concerns the possible scratches and bruises that would have been evident on each of the perps. LE never indicates that a physical examination was done on anyone to look for such evidence.
I recall reading info on whether the WM3 were checked for abrasions on their knuckles? Striking someone in the face with a fist will often cut or leave abrasions on the knuckles that don’t disappear overnight.
Wearing gloves obviously would explain not finding such.
Grrr, mean’t say “don’t recall reading info”. Stupid spell check should read my mind and correct this stuff!
ATG:
Excellent analysis. I will read through it again but this seems very plausible.
@Blink, bold, 8.
I find Depp’s silence since the releases quite odd. As a matter of fact, he seemed to distance himself a bit recently. I may be wrong in that observation but it seems to be the case.
Not wrong.
B
@mjh
I had the very same thoughts going through Brit’s statement =(
@Educated person
I don’t understand how people can attack someone in such a self-assured fashion without being armed with the most basic info. I saw a supporter on the Websleuths forum trying to discredit Blink while simultaneously claiming the ice axe was found in the ditch after it was drained. I believe that, at the very minimum, everyone should read a work before commenting on it.
@ATG
“The one thing that is never documented concerns the possible scratches and bruises that would have been evident on each of the perps. LE never indicates that a physical examination was done on anyone to look for such evidence.”
This is one of those things where my memory is spotty. I’m not sure whether LE conducted any such physical examinations. If they did, keeping no record of it is definitely a big mistake. If they didn’t, there’s really no excuse. They were taking samples from suspects, surely they could’ve performed examinations too. All we have are the shirtless pics of Echols:
http://callahan.8k.com/images/depic01.jpg
But those are not at all comparable to a physical examination, of course, or even very good for determining much from looking at them (full-body only, taken from afar). Were they even taken for that reason? Again, not sure. I’d really appreciate if someone had more info on this whole matter of physical examinations.
Stidham recalls West Memphis 3 case
Misskelley’s former defense attorney reacts to recent plea deal
By Chad Miller
cmiller@paragoulddailypress.com
Published: Saturday, September 10, 2011 12:07 PM CDT
“Even to the most casual observer, the evidence is so crystal clear,” Stidham said. “To hear someone say ‘Oh, those kids did it’ makes me angry — not in the sense that I want to lash out at someone. It makes me angry because they don’t know what they’re talking about. I’ve seen the evidence. There is none. There’s no biological material from that crime scene that matches the three defendants. There’s nothing that links them to this crime other than this crazy, ridiculous false confession. If it hadn’t been for the movies, this case would’ve been swept under the rug just like all the other wrongful conviction cases.”
Stidham said the fiber and hair evidence presented during the original trial was “nothing but smoke and mirrors.” He said a good prosecutor would not be likely to use that evidence today because it is “junk science.”
“I’m very proud of Scott Ellington for agreeing to the plea and because he has now publicly stated that he would consider any new evidence that was brought to him by anyone investigating the case and if it was a compelling case that he could prove beyond a reasonable doubt, he would prosecute the people who are really responsible for this crime and ask the governor to pardon the West Memphis Three. I’m excited about that. I think (Ellington) is a hero in this case.”
Outside of his judicial duties, Stidham teaches a constitutional law class at Arkansas State University. He said he is also in the process of writing a book about the West Memphis Three case.
http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2011/09/10/local_news/doc4e6ac3ec09170031632611.txt
===================================================
I beg to differ with Mr. Stidham, but he does give credit where credit is due. As a casual observer myself in the beginning, it seemed that the message was Damien, Jason and Jesse were innocent and had been railroaded. However, after Blink’s article bringing the ice axe to the forefront again and subsequently Baldwin’s hasty agreement to the Alford plea really secured my belief that they were guilty and realized they had better get while the getting was good. I honestly do not see how anyone could look at the autopsy photos and conclude those injuries were made by any animal, aquatic or otherwise. In LP2 I believe the same photo was shown that Blink published in article #1 and when the lawyers showed that photo in the film it absolutely did not look like a bite mark, human or otherwise. As I watched LP2, admttedly I was disappointed. I have not seen LP1, but from the hype I was expecting some sort of phenomenal cinematography and to me it was a complete dud. The film was disjointed, hard to follow and did nothing to convince me of Jesse, Jason or Damien’s innocence; even the creepy and toothless step-dad Byers was not enough to lead me to consider him as a suspect. I guess Mr. Stidham is not aware of Damien’s pledge post-release press conference pledge “to find the real killer.” It was upsetting to hear Jason almost given a standing ovation and lauded as a hero, but to have Mr. Stidham proclaim Ellington also a hero was just as disturbing. I do believe Mr. Ellington believes Hollywood will help further his future political endeavors, but perhaps even they will consider him spineless as well. Who knows? I would say to Mr. Stidham there are no heros here, only the sad memories of three little boys, the true West Memphis Three,victimized yet again.
Of note, I have set my DVR twice to record 48 hours, the first was the original Depp interview in Feb 2010 and then a new follow-up post-release. Both have mysteriously never materialized. Coincidence or has someone taken a step back and become more than just a “casual observer”? I would prefer to think the latter.
Mr. Stidham needs to keep his hand on the bible when he speaks.
This is an embarrassment to his work in this case.
“Bandwagon” party of one, your table is ready.
B
hehheh…I wonder if “Educated person” is “compassionate reader” at Websleuths? (I’m not a member, I just google around and saw them talking about your wm3 study)
Can I do this Blink? Delete my post if I can’t.
Yo…Websleuths people…your homie “Compassionate Reader” is WRONG about the urine in the stomachs. Point Blink.
As for this…(more from Compassionate Reader)
“The icepick is just one of those things found in the discovery ditch when it was drained. It was never linked to any of the wounds on any of the little boys. In fact, to my knowledge, the WMPD never tested any of the items found there – go figure! It’s just a further example of the slam-bang job the WMPD did with the investigation, right?”
Blink linked to the document clearly showing the weapon trade off after the murders. Big Fat Nasty Point Blink.
The only thing you’re right about is the fact that the weapon was overlooked. Considering the fact that EVERYBODY seems to have overlooked it, we can’t really fault anybody for that.
Blink,
I’ve been on the fence about this case for years. I was a freshman in high school when this horrific crime occurred and remember it vividly due to the nature of the offenses. I’ve seen bits and pieces of the first Paradise Lost movie, and would follow the case throughout the years.
I’ve recently started reading more about the case and doing my own research in light of their new plea. Ugh, talk about disgusting. And Ellington? OMG, I understand he came into office in January and had this monkey on his back the minute he took office. Ugh, just nevermind. I’ll keep my Ellington rant for another day.
Anyway, I’ve struggled with the facts and what my heart has told me. I’ve read what you wrote, and all of the comments too. It’s taken a few days because I have a three year old and 4 month old, so it’s not easy for me to set aside a couple of hours (okay more than that since I go the links and read what’s there too) to read everything. Much to my husband’s dismay though, I did.
I now firmly believe that Damien, Jessie and Jason were involved and are guilty—especially reading the highly controversial “urine” statement from Damien. Thank you so much for bringing something so simple to light for me. On a side note, I can’t believe how many comments there were about the urine. How was that confusing? Damien mentioned urine WAY before it was even thought of let alone mentioned by anyone. So there—plain and simple. Again, not sure how people could be so unbelievably confused about that subject matter.
Anyway, my gut tells me that Domini was involved somehow too. Don’t yell at me for not having any reference for it—it’s just my gut feeling. Did you find anything that could have linked her to the crime too? Or even loosely linked her to it? Just curious.
I can’t thank you enough for bringing much needed attention to this story. Another issue that I have is that from all that I’ve read so far is that I’ve never seen or read or heard of Damien, Jessie or Jason expressing that they are sorry for the loss the families have endured. I get the whole, “I’m innocent” thing. I get that. I even get repeating it to the nth degree. But even when I’m accused of something minimal, I acknowledge the accusation, maintain my innocence, but advise that I understand. I’ve never heard any of them say/write “I’m so sorry that this horrific crime happened, but it wasn’t me—blah blah blah.” Have I just not delved enough into this case? Have I missed it? Or have they not said anything.
Again, thank you for the informative piece and I look forward to the final installment.
IIWII, welcome to BOC. I had to resign myself after much angst, that the justice in this case may be in the form of a message that eludes us until it is ready. As it relates to what happened to this little men, there is no such thing as justice, how could there be?
We do what we can, that is all there is.
B
I am having a hard time with why there is so much angst about the thoughts these killings were related to withcraft and/or cult activities. In Echols interview linked below, he states several of his beliefs about Wicca and how they relate to this crime. These include how the number 3 is an important number, the penis is a symbol of power, the water represents demonic force, the younger the victim the more innocent….etc. It is as if he is having a grand time telling detectives of his wicca beliefs and was caught up in a delusion of how important and meaningful the crimes might be. Maybe I am missing something from this interview, but that is how it reads to me. He then goes on to fail a polygraph. Okay, so to the supporters out there, enlighten me on this interview, why shouldn’t I think this kid was messed up and that could have driven him to do this?
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/dwe.html
On a side note, I am not a fan of kids/young adults being on prescription drugs for depression, add, ocd, etc. I know of too many instances of serious side effects including violent responses, suicidal thoughts and heart failure. Some involved withdrawl symptoms, some responses were due to new meds and some effects were the results of abuse. Blink mentioned bed wetting, and the med Echols was apparently on for some time can be prescribed for that as well as to treat depression. It would be a very sad situation if this boy was given a med for bed wetting and the side effects from the med caused psychological problems, or added to his mental problems.
Blink how is it that you can always say exactly what needs to be said in few words what it takes me 100+ to say?-
My quilt means “I am a card” Priceless
Lisa, thanks for saying that.- FTR though, Id rather it be a silent poll- LOL…its better to leave others keep their vote to themselves and for me to just keep on keeping on. Otherwise I would start to care more about whether I was “liked” than about sharing my unfettered thoughts and opinions-
TGF- thanks, I will try not to disappoint you by filling the space up with anything less than brilliant- dont count on it though-LOL
No TGF, everything is good between Blink and I. She knows that I am taking the road less traveled (in my stance on this case- at least as far as most posters thoughts on BOC are concerned anyway)
She has let me know that she values my walking down the middle of the road- instead of blindly following her down the side to which she finds herself, after much research….
Blink has said that she would rather me do my thing- (research and question) inorder to reach my own destination, at my own pace, than to just -take her “side”
I do not know if I will end up joining her and the rest of you, or if I will be forever walking down the road- or if I will end up with the dreaded Maines and Vedder and Rollins crowd…HA- one things for certain- whereever I end up, she has assured me that she values my thoughts and opinions- so I am gonna keep sharing them-
Before I get back to walking that middle road- I just wanted to make it abundantly clear that although I am questioning -I am NOT disrespecting Blink or Blinks work or her conclusions-
She has her reasons for believing what she does and she got there by actually researching and analyzing – she is not just taking a “side” to tout her own thoughts or opinions or agenda-
I respect that – and I respect her- infact, I want to be just like her when I grow up-
In closing, I just want to say thanks TGF, for letting me use your post as a jumping off point- and as a contributing member of BOC, I see it as my honor and duty to bring my perspectives and opinions to the discussion- Blink has always encouraged that- and I have always valued that about her and BOC- it only started meaning a great deal more, when I realized that she meant it, even when we might not share the same opinions or perspectives.
AJMO
My very not-so nom de plume is based on what I feel is the celebration of the differences in the way people form conclusions. They do not, nor did they ever, have to agree at the completion of their “processing”.
Some of the very best learning experiences I have enjoyed, and I hope, spawned growth in my critical thinking, came from contradictory perspectives that are well researched and simply an alternative view in identical data. That said, I could absolutely debate a ham sandwich, lol.
I can review, investigate and present findings in a case that I emphatically support my position on-
And I am NEVER more intrigued and enlivened when I am fortunate enough to fire up the synapse that we are having guests this evening. Woot.
In closing:
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to think like ME..” Blink
heh heh.
B
please remove “To educated person” if you care to Blink. Thank you.
ROTFL, I have.
You are gunning for Ragdoll’s spot, admirable. LOL LOL
B
Blink- why did you have to bring up the hotly contested debate over the ham sandwich? You know that is akin to bringing up religion and politics?
BTW- NO more political posts/responses please- gee its all I can do to restrain my thoughts over the ham sandwich….but then I go back to read posts on Al Gore and Clinton ect?
My gosh- educated one is right- Blink you are a rightwing talking head- I knew it I just knew it- next I’ll be hearing youve got a show on the fox network-
Snark ofcourse- but please no more politics k?
For serious? You missed my endquote?
lol, truth be told, in investigative “speak”, my mind has never worked as a donkey or elephant, just like regular folks. In WM3 case, however, make no mistake, there is a political agenda (s) that has yet to reveal.
In all seriousness, as it relates to Chris, Stevie and Michael, I could care less who takes up their cause, or from what color state.
B
Okay sorry for the humor- but this whole case is so depressing and emotionally charged. I feel so bad for little Michael and Steven and Christopher, I want so badly to understand what happened and to “fix” it-
I know no one can make it better- at the end of the day these little ones will still be murdered- discarded in a filthy ditch…oh how I wish I could fix it-
At night, you want to know what keeps me up?
Thinking these little boys were not just murdered, they were robbed of their dignity and modesty-
I want to somehow give them back their dignity….
As a mom I know we moms all say- “make sure you you changed your underwear- you dont want to be in an accident and have dirty underwear on…”
I think about the little supermario brothers underwear recovered, and the others missing…. I realize just how innocent and trusting these babies were, and how they left their houses to go play- and an accident did not claim them…and their mothers warnings about clean underwear..and their silent prayers for their safety were not answered…
How how my heart aches-
Just wow.
Common Mom ground here. In the “tank” we had significant discussion on the missing scibs- and only one sock found in a shoe, which to me, again is significant, given the owner, but I digress.
18 years ago, in this case, in this socio economic situation, I did not feel confident we could stipulate that items were actually missing, as the only parents that got their kids clothing correct 100% were the Moores.
Although I do believe it likely they just floated into the bayou if they were actually worn.
When my son was 8, I was still checking he washed all the suds out of his hair in the shower and packed his practice clothes, uni, extra clothes, all of which I could describe in a heartbeat.
This is a different time and age of parenting, I think they did they best they could, but we did have issues going on that caused me to question the certainty of the childrens “dress”.
B
I was joking Blink-
I truly dont think I can stand to read about politics being a big part of the whys of this whole fiasco- in the beginning in the middle or in the “freeing” ( I dont think we have seen the end yet…) Honestly Steven, Christopher, Michael and their families deserved so much better in every moment of this case- and of course it goes without saying they surely they deserved better than to be murdered and discarded…
Of course you were, and I was glad to see it. Being glib on occasion in such macabre subject matter is necessary fuel, imo. The dialogue has to progress and and is not likely to, to your point, should it become political and it is a point well taken.
B
Okay – I am posting alot because I actually have a free moment…I dont know when I will be able to get back…So please- dont think I am being a board hog-
- It truly infuriates me that LE in this case, seemed to not do their best. I dont know if its because they were so certain of the 3′s guilt and that they actually thought their case was an “11″ and it was easy-
meaning the theory was sound and the evidence supported the theory- there fore they disregarded or didnt followup on certain avenues and evidence collected…-
The theory and the evidence presented:
1 a cult/ritualistic murder- knife used- serrated edge- JB’s “lake knife” & the great grapefruit demo
a- the iceax was not compared as the murder weapon
b- the 4 evidence photos taken were at best poor at worst laughable-
c- iceax- seems to be lost- and as far as I can tell no measurements were taken- no close up photos either
d- the owners of iceax- kids gave sorely lacking statements devoid of helpful details IRT actual items ie brand- how old- purchase store-
* did axe, when returned- appear to have been washed or chipped ect
* was there conversation about the trade? such as- Did JB say why he wanted the iceax/knife?-ect ect Was there a falling out between the ex-owners and JB that lead up to the tradeback? Did JB ever enquire about the Testament shirt that never was rreturned in the tradeback- did the exowners and JB ever have a conversation after the tradeback ect…
* brothers statement -what did JB’s brother mean when he said that JB thought they were gonna accuse him of something?- who is they the ex owners? if so, did they have a falling out that lead to the tradeback?
What else did JB say IRT the ax? Did his brother see him leave with it that day? Had he been showing it around in the days before the murders? Was he playing with it? Did he touch the ax when he told his brother to return it? Or did he send him to retrieve the items from under his bed? Were these items the only things under the bed/ How were they found? were they covered with something/ Did they appear to be washed?
cont-
AJMO
Before I cont with my post-
Just wanted to comment on your response IRT the undies-
I think it is likely that the missing clothing- were not there to begin with-
The boys could have just as likely went “commando” I know little boys when their clothes are not laid out for them- or if it is wash day ect- will choose to go without especially socks and undies- often times little boys do not even care if they match- at all- let alone wear matching socks ect- To them no one will ever see their socks- not if they are wearing pants… and the same for undies.
I know Little Stevie and Chris were rather independent or at least left alone to be boys …- IIRC, Pam was working- so it is not unusal for a mom not to recall the clothing in that situation…and dads notoriously do not take note of such things usually… think George Anthonys strange recall of exact clothing…At first I do think it was strange that Byers did not recall what Chris was wearing- as he spanked him and therefore would have been upclose- but then I read that…he was on meds and had a past with drugs ect- so his recall may not be the best and Hobbs was taking care of the baby and having fun at his friends so he may not have cared at the time to take note…
poor babies, and I certainly never want to be in these parents shoes having to deal with the horror of what happened and realize that I cant even recall what my baby was last wearing cause – I was too busy with my grownup troubles to real take a good look-
My prayers to them all- we all try to do our best as parents,that is all we can do.
AJMO
cont post ice ax- gonna break it up because of links- and glitch… hope that helps in getting it accepted into moderation…
I have been looking for an ice ax that matches the one shown in evidence photos:
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/img2/k_newell_weapons.html
I am again unable to find closeups or measurements…
Blink in comparison, you posted a photo of a Black Diamond Arc Light Ice Tool-
here is a link to one on sale on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Diamond-Arc-Light-Ice-Ax-70cm-/390345142700
-
You mentioned that you thought it was possible that the end point- caused the “x”
Well I am not sure if this arc light axe is the best comparison- but I do think it is possible you are correct on your theory-
cont in next post
ajmo
Cont
here is a link to pics of Arc light and interesting reviews-
http://tinyurl.com/42sezmj
I think that the point of an ice ax could have been pushed up against the face in one direction and then removed and placed on in another direction as to form the “x” ….think of a bad guy threatening his victim with a knife point- just bearly pricking the skin with the tip and then again removing it and placing it in the other direction – causing an “x” to form “/” then the opposite
here is a close up of an axe and this point- taken from another another listing on ebay this time of a Black Diamond Alpamayo ax, notice the end opposite the jagged side-it is shaped more like that of JB’s axe:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180722600744
AJMO
Mom3.0- You do realize I am about to win you over, lol. Again on your example, excellent work I might add, that we have the same bell shaped issue within the circle, potentially exhibiting raised pallor.
Your correct in your description, imo, keeping in mind we have a “bowed” implement on one side.
That said, and I might be accused of a teaser to part 3, but notice the wear on the handle?
B
cont-
In my research I was unable to find an exact replica
What I found is that The teeth are different and vary on every type of axe, by model- by brand, by year, by use ect- and many of these ice axes do not have teeth- or they have slight teeth- especially older ice axes- JB’s ice axe I believe was a type of walking axe.
here are some walking axes- be sure to scroll down the pages
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=382806&tn=160
cont
AJMO
Mom3.0
Thank you for your comments. You must know that I would defend your right to take your time and find your own way and conclusions until my last breath.
Most who post here are seeking the truth based on factual information. We do not take a piece of speculation and twist it to fit a preconcieved idea. The portion of my post conceerning the crime is what I think happened based on the documents from the trial and investigation by LE.
We have all concluded in one way or another that the investigation left some gaping holes. We do not have a real motive for the crime. We are dealing with teenagers and their problems in growing up in a less than perfect social setting.
With brains that are incomplete, teenagers do things that adults find hard to understand. Some by the grace of GOD manage to survive an environment that these teenagers lived in.
I will look forward to your analysis when it is complete.
Oh Blink- you cant sleep either huh? I am not sure how close I am to you winning me over LOL- I am still walking down the middle – but I am listening to your analysis as I walk down the middle-LOL
I appreciate you valuing my research–
Yes- I am thinking hard on the “bowing” and yes I did notice the wear on the handle.
We have to take into consideration the type of families that existed in W. Memphis in 1993 and what goes on in a low socio-economic situation. IMO children are more or less left to themselves by the adults who are working and too busy to pay close attention.
This is not true of moms who live at another level. These moms make it their special business to watch and guide everything their children do. They realize that children who are cared for in this manner learn the valuable lessons needed to be successful. And, it is not just moms. Dads are just as careful.
Some are beginning to see the very poor photography in the case. I noticed this early on and mentioned it in a post. If LE does not have good equipment and proper training in the taking of evidence photos, then the results are what we see in this case.
Evidence photos are not taken like an everyday outing at a park or beach. It takes training to know how to frame a scene and then make the proper close up shots to show details. Poloroid cameras are not quality cameras except for their professional line. Poloroid did make a film for use in their professional cameras that produced a positive and a negative.
From experience, I know that it takes about a hundred or more photos to learn about a particular camera and how to take reasonably good pictures with it.
The early blue carbon shaft with Zero head/Premana looks close…
http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr254/climber76/IceAxe2.jpg
More pics…
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=762638&tn=0&mr=0
That’s a BIG friggin ice axe. Two feet or better…ug.
K
An ice axe is properly sized for an individual by standing in a relaxed manner, dropping your arms down and measuring the distance from the palm of your hand to the ground. The ice axe handle should be long enough to easly grasp the head portion in your hand.
In this case Damien had acquired the ice axe from an unknown source. It could have been purchased originally by a person taller than Damien. It was not fitted to Damien.
It is sort of like the inseam on a pair of pants. A handle on an ice axe to fit me would have to be approx. 32 inches to place the bowed face of the axe at the proper height. Just the handle alone makes a good weapon.
“We do not have a real motive for the crime. We are dealing with teenagers and their problems in growing up in a less than perfect social setting.
With brains that are incomplete, teenagers do things that adults find hard to understand. Some by the grace of GOD manage to survive an environment that these teenagers lived in.”
These are interesting things to discuss. It’s only an opinion, of course, but I’ve never felt the murders had anything to do with the WM3 being teenagers or being of a certain difficult socioeconomic background. I just think that’s who they were as people – murderers. This goes into the whole nature vs. nurture question, and is a very complex issue, of course. But, personally, I just don’t think any kind of upbringing could’ve saved Damien and Jason from being what they are (I’ll refrain from comment on Jessie, since I don’t think he would’ve done something like this without the other two). And I think they could’ve murdered at any age in life, and the trials of being a teenager, or the trials of being a teenager in a West Memphis trailer park, weren’t crucial. Catalysts for these specific murders perhaps, but I think the potential for murder was very much in them, and they would’ve hurt someone sooner or later, no matter the circumstances. The one thing that could’ve changed something was Echols’s parents not being as non-chalant as they were about what a ticking bomb he was (eg. declining further treatment in Oregon). I don’t think there was anything that could’ve been done about Baldwin, though.
As for teenagers, like all individuals, they’re all different. Some are very rational and mature. Many of those who aren’t, don’t get any better in adulthood. Many do. I don’t find the crime hard to understand, though. It fits in with what we know about the WM3, and the people they were (not that I think that all people with profiles like theirs are murderers…but some are). The brutality is hard for us to stomach, but, to me, it makes perfect sense in the context of the WM3. Unfortunately, the world is full of monsters, including those who are just 16 years old. Anyway…just thinking out loud here.
Cbickel says:
September 8, 2011 at 9:17 pm
I hope all is well with Mom, it’s kind of lonely sitting on this fence I’ll tell you that.
After having read and re-read your articles and tons of information on the Callahan site I’m afraid given what the jury had at the time, I would have found the WM3 not guilty.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@cd: Right now, I’m on that fence with you, Mom 3.0, and Kindra.
Blink, I have followed this tragic case off and on since 1993, and I am so pleased that you were asked to look into it. You are an absolute gem for doing so, especially after all the exhausting work you did on the CA case and trial. I’ve been busy at my ‘day job’, and following a homicide in Georgia, but I have recently started reading the documents at the Callahan site.
As I read through the transcripts of the Echols/Baldwin trial, I could have sworn I was reading a modern rewrite of “The Crucible.” I was amused, and then angered, by witnesses’ testimony that clearly was meant to incite the public’s paranoid fears about imaginary Satanic cults. I am not a “supporter” of the WM3, but I do believe that the search for justice must always ultimately be a search for the truth. These three young victims deserve nothing less.
I have also read what appears to be some excerpts of Echols’ mental health treatment records which have obviously been edited and/or condensed, and have quite a bit of added commentary. Not a whole lot of surprises there, especially for anyone who has treated a troubled adolescent.
And btw, regarding the alleged urine in the stomachs:
There is no mention of this in the autopsy reports, not even in an addendum. There is a saying in medicine, “If it is not recorded in the chart, it didn’t happen.” Never is this saying more true than when the medical records ends up in court. So, if the medical examiner observed what he assumed was urine in the stomachs, this finding should have been duly noted, and the stomach contents sent for testing. The results of this testing should have been added to final draft of the autopsy report that was submitted into evidence.
Thank you Grace- I was hoping you might weigh in-
I completely agree about the autopsy not reflecting the suspected “urine” contents, but for me, it is very damning that Damien brings this up in an interview before those suspicions are even at play.
B
@BLINK
I’m WAY guilty of confirmation bias (axe) right now but in following your ice axe theory….
Kenneth Watkin’s Statement
9/16/93
(re: what he recalls about 5/5/93)
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/kenw1.html
RIDGE- OKAY. UH, ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN REMEMBER ABOUT THAT DAY? DID…WHEN YOU SAW THIS GRAFFITI ON THAT RAILROAD BRIDGE, WHEN WERE YOU DOWN THERE?
KENNETH- IT WAS BEFORE IT ALL HAPPENED. IT WAS…
RIDGE- WHO WERE YOU THERE WITH?
KENNETH- DAMION, DOMINI, JASON, KEN, MATT, AND THAT’S ALL.
RIDGE- OKAY. WHAT WOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU WERE DOWN THERE?
KENNETH- NOTHIN. JUST THROWING ROCKS OFF THE BRIDGE.
RIDGE- OKAY. DID YOU EVER SEE THEM WRITING ANYTHING DOWN THERE WITH…
KENNETH- THEY’D ALL, JASON, ALL HE PUT WAS MEGADEATH AND…
RIDGE- DID HE DO IT WITH PAINT, OR WHAT?
KENNETH- YEAH, A CAN OF SPRAY PAINT. BLACK, I THINK. SOMETHING ELSE, I CAN’T THINK. THEN KEN PUT A NAKED GIRL UP THERE, AND MATT ONE TOO, AND I THINK THAT WAS ALL…
Specifically…
“did he do it with paint, or what?”
“yeah, a can of spray paint, black, i think. something else, I can’t think”
Granted the pictures are bad, but that “ME” carving in the tree could have been done with the axe/pick. Given that Jason was in a “Megadeth” writing mood, “ME” could have just been the beginning of a carving that he gave up on or didn’t finish (for one reason or another) – I imagine a “G” with an axe/pick would be challenging…lol
Around on the right side (tree with rope) it looks like the axe/pick could have been used to take a couple whacks at the rope but it’s hard to tell if those are notches or not.
It’s interesting that the Newell brothers refer to the axe/pick as a “weapon” (as opposed to a climbing tool) in the first place.
Billy Newell’s Statement
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/billnew.html
Kenny Newell’s Statement
http://callahan.8k.com/wm3/kennew.html
@ Educaterd person
It’s all about the math really. person – Educated = negative person.
I’m almost certain you’re a wolf who’s hunted on BOC grounds before. It smells like wet dog in here. Besides, your rebuttle is not original. In fact, your statement is a regurgiatation of baglady’s hurlage.
Give us something to think about and we’ll take you a little more serious. Otherwise, find another sandbox to bully. Y’all are just not getting it….at all.
@ Mom3.0
….and you in my heart, dearest friendy <3
@ jack dobson says:
September 10, 2011 at 7:36 pm
I would love to know Depp’s reasons for backing off. If we jump onto the conclusion it’s b/c he’s misjudged this case, we’d be in for a great disappointment. The plea won’t help his publicity.
I really REALLY hope I’m wrong.
@ Educated person
One more thing I’ve learned, WM3 supporters don’t just stumble onto this site. Can we at least keep the truth on the up and up? I know that’s unfamiliar territory for some of y’all, but it’s how we roll here.
If we weren’t getting close to the truth behind the butchered murderers of our wee cubs, y’all would simply be laughing at our expense whilst touching cloth…because we all dribble a little when we giggle.
PS…the urine comment from Echols is damning as h e double hockey sticks. As we say here, you can’t unring a bell and what was said, cannot be unsaid. Echols placed himself at the site all by himself, with that statement alone.
I don’t give a rats ass about his appearance. I do take seriously his mental health and criminal history and the road he took that lead him to perform heinous kills on innocence. Shame on anyone who can’t think for themselves.
I dare you all to read all the pieces @ BOC, word for word for word, all the comments, all the evidence, all the links, THEN come back and say….innocent as white. I just dare you. Then please, tell us who else pulled this off. Enlighten us like never before.
@ Texas Grandfather
The ice axe wasn’t Damien’s. Jason traded Kenny Newell a few T-shirts for it and a knife. After the murders he sent his little brother Matthew to trade back. (see links on post #41)
I didn’t know how to get fitted for an ice axe…lol…now I do. ty
I’m from NM, boyfriend from Texas with family in Bastrop. They were just on the other side of Hwy 21 and were lucky to save their house. I don’t know where you’re at but we’re doing rain dances for you lot. Hang in there.
@ Ragdoll, I believe they are waiting for OJ to get released so they can combine resources and catch all the bad guys at the same time. I think I may be sick the next time I read about some criminal defense attorney quoting “there is not one shred of evidence that connects my client …”.
One of Hitler’s propaganda gurus supposedly said something like “give me enough opportunities to repeat the same thing over and over and I will have the German people completely with us”.
@lizzy
Made me day and thank you. You did what was necessary.
@ Al says:
September 11, 2011 at 8:58 pm
The father of death, himself. Thank God he’s playing chess with Judas Isacariot instead.
What a somber day….and their a people walking in freedom who don’t deserve it. Is that irony? Whatever it is, it rips at my heart strings.
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At the end of this day, let us pray that God will restore double to all those who were affected by 9/11.