hitType: 'event', Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley were accused of killing three eight-year-old boys: Chris Byers, Stevie Branch, and Michael Moore. Autopsies revealed that Byers died of multiple injuries, while the other two boys died of multiple injuries with drowning. The West Memphis Three were charged with the murder of three boys in 1994. Prosecutors argued that the three teenagers, with Echols as the lead, committed the murders as part of a satanic ritual. He failed to recognize where the crime scene actually was, mixed up the timeline and confused the victims. The men garnered national attention due to a series of documentaries and books that questioned their convictions as well as the vocal support of numerous celebrities. These three would come to be known as the West Memphis Three. An attorney involved in the West Memphis Three case, in which three teenagers were convicted of killing three boys in 1993, is claiming that evidence related to the case that was believed to be lost or destroyed has been located at the West Memphis Police Department, local CBS affiliate WREG reported.Attorney Patrick Benca, who represents He was called a 'baby killer.'. When West Memphis teens Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr. were tried and convicted of the murders of three 8-year-old boys in 1994, many in the community felt confident that investigators had put the right men behind bars. pg.acq.push(function() { Explaining why the test may have indicated this, Martin suggested he believed "the father of Steve Branch killed the boys" and that he suspected shoelaces would have been used to tie up the victims, as "logic tells him that the killer would use something already there." You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Echols, one of the West Memphis Three, and his legal team have hit another obstacle as they try to get the court's permission to test newly found evidence for DNA. }); The West Memphis Three are Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr., whoas teenagerswere convicted in 1994 of triple murder in West Memphis (Crittenden County). Yet, while Arkansas certainly has problems seen throughout the South, such as poor wages, West Memphis was then a city of 30,000 with a wide variety of cultures. 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"He had to spend this time because if he didn't, he would get caught. It is easy for many to look at the South as hillbilly central, full of prejudice and backward attitudes, with somewhat elitist attitudes often prevalent when discussing the case. gads_event = event; The men garnered national attention due to a series of documentaries and books that questioned their convictions as well as the vocal support of numerous celebrities. One such suspect was none other than Byers. When three boys turn up murdered, a small town is desperate to find the killer. At the trial, the prosecution continued the claims of Satanic overtones, calling Dale W. Griffis of the unaccredited Columbia Pacific University distance learning school as an "expert" witness to affirm the killings were definitely occult related. The gruesome nature of their deaths led both police and the community to theorize that there had been a satanic element involved something that wasn't too farfetched in the "Bible Belt, where Satanic Panic" was at its peak. "Lawyers have to follow the law and when you file in the wrong place that's not my fault," said Attorney General Griffin. All three spent most of their days as any other mid-1990s teenagers - listening to rock music, watching pro wrestling on television, and either poking around under the hood of a car or simply hanging out and causing trouble. Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three Despite doubt over the way authorities handled the case, as well as a lack of substantial evidence, the West Memphis Three were found guilty. of the West Memphis Three It wouldn't be the only evidence that linked Hobbs to the murders, with his wife Pamela finding a knife that her son had carried with him in her husband's nightstand. hitType: 'event', On May 5, 1993, Branch was at home with his mother, Pamela Hobbs, and shortly after the end of school, Moore rode over on his bike and asked if his friend could take a ride with him. document.querySelector("#ads").addEventListener('click',function(){ } Every piece is still there https://t.co/8tzxOWjZLH, - Damien Echols (@damienechols) December 21, 2021. His prior history of domestic violence didn't reflect well either. Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley were accused of killing three eight-year-old boys: Chris Byers, Stevie Branch, and Michael Moore. Despite the alarming inconsistencies and recanting his confession, saying that he was fatigued, threatened and intimidated, police quickly arrested Echols and Baldwin. However, he was far from the only person of intense interest with two other teenagers, Chris Morgan and Brian Holland, attracting early interest. Who Is The Real Killer Behind The 'West Memphis Three' Murders? West Memphis Three Their clothing was found tied to sticks implanted into the creek bed, with two pairs of underwear missing. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Talking with police and his lawyer present in the room, he would ignore advice from his counsel to remain silent and detailed how the West Memphis Three had abused and murdered the victims. In 2000, Berlinger and Sinofsky would produce "Paradise Lost 2: Revelations," a sequel to their 1996 film. What came after the arrest is quite well-documented. He was also charged in 1990 for stealing $65,000 in jewelry from a store where he previously worked, and in 1992 for "conspiring to sell cocaine and with carrying a dangerous weapon.". West Memphis Three "But I didn't wear hats back then; my hair could have blown around anywhere.". In contrast, others contend he remained severely mentally ill and an immature teenager. Yet Misskelley kept talking, confessing again on Feb. 4. West Memphis Three In statements under oath, the three witnesses say that Michael Hobbs told them, "My uncle killed three boys in West Memphis." The West Memphis Three had trials in 1994, with Echols and Baldwin tried together and Misskelley tried separately. Based on the new information, the three men asked for an Alford plea, in which the defendant maintains their innocence, but acknowledge that prosecutors have evidence to convict them. Sign up to receive breakingFront Page Detectivesnews and exclusive investigations. connection to West Memphis Three West Memphis Three Jessie Misskelley was given two 20 year-sentences on top of life imprisonment, while Jason Baldwin also received life imprisonment. Jul. The assailant is also prone to violent outbursts, likely has a history of domestic violence, and places a high importance on punishment. WebWest Memphis Three, three American men who in 1994, while teenagers, were found guilty of murdering three young boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, allegedly as part of devil worship. Memphis The condition of the bodies led to the initial belief the three had been raped and then killed. John Mark Byers, stepfather of Chris Byers and initially the subject of considerable suspicion himself, is shown calling Terry Hobbs a "baby killer" outside an Arkansas courtroom. To understand the story of the West Memphis Three, it's important to remember the cultural atmosphere that was prevalent throughout America in the mid-1990s. It went too far, and because of that, he had to kill all three of them," he said. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { As the rumors increased throughout the community, a Salem-like air descended as names continued to be associated with the alleged cult. For the state, the Alford pleas were a face-saving exercise. Never mentioned in the autopsy or at either trial, they didn't match for Echols, Misskelley or Baldwin. He suffered from "grandiose and persecutory delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, disordered thought processes, substantial lack of insight, and chronic, incapacitating mood swings." 31 2021, Published 3:16 p.m. West Memphis Three Branch and Moores bikes were discovered on either side of a pipe bridge not far from the crime scene. The boys were naked and tied up by their shoelaces. When West Memphis teens Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr. were tried and convicted of the murders of three 8-year-old boys in 1994, many in the community felt confident that investigators had put the right men behind bars. Misskelley's confession couldn't be utilized if he had stood trial alongside Echols and Baldwin under what is known as the Bruton rule stemming from Bruton v. United States. On the evening of May 5, 1993, three 8-year-old boys disappeared from the streets of West Memphis, Ark. 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I think he spent more time on concealing the bodies and the clothing and the bikes than he did on the actual murders. It was rumor and innuendo, overheard gossip and allegations. West Memphis Three eventAction: 'view' He also initially claimed Echols had choked one victim until he was told that none of the boys had been strangled. West Memphis Three | Background & Trial WebWest Memphis Three, three American men who in 1994, while teenagers, were found guilty of murdering three young boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, allegedly as part of devil worship. Benca said he hopes the evidence can be tested for DNA to help clear the name of his client, who along with Jason Baldwin and Jesse Misskelley Jr. was convicted of murder as a teenager in 1994. of the West Memphis Three }); Both men were increasingly concerned about the potential for human sacrifices when it was a full moon. WebWest Memphis Three, three American men who in 1994, while teenagers, were found guilty of murdering three young boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, allegedly as part of devil worship. Their trial, which included All three bodies were immediately removed from the water before the coroner arrived, meaning that they were exposed to sunlight and insects before judgments could be made surrounding rigor mortis and the time of death. Equally, Wiccans reject their beliefs are a form of Satanism, with the movement being closer to Neo-Paganism and nature religions and almost exclusively pacifistic in nature. They were released on Aug. 19, 2011. Now, Attorney General Tim Griffin has requested the Arkansas Supreme Court to dismiss the case based on the fact that the petition was filed in Crittenden County but Echols was convicted in Craighead County. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), The West Memphis Three were charged with the murder of three boys in 1994. Starting in the weeks that followed the killings, documentary filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky began to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case for their film "Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills," airing in June 1996 on HBO. Memphis Before the case could again reach the courts, Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley were allowed to enter Alford plea deals. There is a vast difference between what most Satanists believe Satanism is and the popular perception of Satanism. The 'West Memphis Three' Murders "Chief Pope's resignation is completely unrelated to the West Memphis three rumors being sent out on social media," the statement reads. 1:53 Digital Original Motivations For Investigating The West Memphis Case 1:05 Preview ga('ads.send', { Advances in DNA testing allowed forensics to be utilized on hairs found at the scene, with none again matching for the three imprisoned men. On Feb. 8, Misskelley claimed he had been drunk at the time of the killings and was drinking Evan Williams whiskey, claiming that he had thrown a bottle away under a bridge in West Memphis, swearing on the Bible as to the truth of his latest claims. Equally, it was widely known he threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend's father, yet those who had taken against him left out that this was through a fear that the father was going to assault his daughter. There were even witnesses who placed Misskelley at his trailer until 6:30 p.m., the time the boys went missing, with one revealing he picked him up to go wrestling around 7:30 p.m. }); MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of In 1997 Byers had all his teeth removed, claiming both that medication he was taking caused gum disease and he'd planned to remove them as he had suffered dental problems for years. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Baldwin meanwhile has ambitions to become a lawyer and began work for a construction company, with Misskelley getting engaged to his high school girlfriend and training as a mechanic. VEGA, Texas (KFDA) - Two people were killed and two others were injured after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 west of Vega. With John Mark Byers ruled out, revelations in 2007 would point in a new direction equally close to home. West Memphis Three The 'West Memphis Three' were exonerated following the advent of improved DNA technology (West Memphis Police Department) John Mark Byers, who was suspected in the deaths of three West Memphis children in 1993, died in a car crash earlier this week, officials in Tennessee revealed on Friday, June 19. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! A subsequent search quickly found the bodies of Branch, Byers and While Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley may have begun to rebuild their lives, there is still no solace or closure for the families of Steve Branch, Christopher Byers, and Michael Moore. The varying wounds included unrecognized bites, and possible stab wounds to his groin and castration, with some putting this down to animal predation. Then, after determining the boys final movements, Bob meets with a DNA expert to discuss new technology that might break the case wide open. They had a daughter together, Amanda Hobbs, who was 4 years old at the time of her brothers death. "Even if he files within the right court, there is no body that's required under habeas corpus because he's released," said Attorney General Griffin. However, Misskelley wouldn't only confess in that police interview room. All three pleaded innocent at the trial and maintained that innocence ever since. One of the charges of making terroristic threats was connected to a domestic dispute between him and his first wife, Sandra Byers, who accused him of threatening her life and assaulting her with an electronic stunning device. Subsequent interviews with Vicki Hutcheson were just as contradictory. He admitted the crime on June 3, June 11 and Aug. 19 and implicated others. Damien Echols was sentenced to death, Jessie Misskelley Jr. to life imprisonment plus two 20-year sentences, and Jason Baldwin to life imprisonment. The use of shoelaces had yet to be revealed to the public, yet Martin was eventually cleared of any involvement. All Rights Reserved. Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three VEGA, Texas (KFDA) - Two people were killed and two others were injured after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 west of Vega. However, once again, Misskelley claimed Baldwin pulled out a knife, despite the evidence presented by experts that no knife had ever been used. It took them 18 years to clear their names. Bike found near the "West Memphis Three" crime scene. Watch: Man connected to 'West Memphis Three' learns evidence connected to the case is missing By Dominique Dillon, FOX13memphis.com July 08, 2021 at 5:53 pm CDT WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. They would have been local and have a violent history, be familiar with the victims, and were engaging in a personal cause when they killed the boys. One individual on the police radar was convicted pedophile James K. Martin. But it seemed the story for the West Memphis Three was over. While his repeated confessions may seem incriminating, Lawyer Dan Stidman would say in a 1999 letter to the court that "Absolutely nothing Misskelley told the officers or prosecutors would ever be admissible against him. ET. Example video title will go here for this video. hitType: 'event', They wouldn't be alone, and witness after witness would state they had heard there was a Satanic cult in the area. The hair would tie in with a reported sighting of a "disoriented" man on the night of the boys' disappearance. But their innocence did leave investigators back at square one. },false) Echols, one of the West Memphis Three, and his legal team have hit another obstacle as they try to get the court's permission to test newly found evidence for DNA. The three would be confirmed to be together between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with the boys spotted headed toward Robin Hood Hills; Terry Hobbs, Branch's stepfather, calling out for them to return. Their trial, which included However, her description of the boy she nearly hit was inconsistent with either Branch, Byers or Moore, and it was, in fact, a fourth boy by the name of George Taylor. 1." West Memphis Three It took 18 years, a deep probe into the criminal justice system, and the rallying of a Sign up for newsletter today. When they didn't, the first phone call would be made to police not long afterward, John Mark Byers raising the alarm with police close to 8 p.m. Clemente pointed out that the killer took his time to conceal the boys' bodies, clothing, and bikes. Youtube Mugshots of the West Memphis Three. So, this tells me that this offender was someone they know," Clemente said. Echols was generally seen as the dominant personality where Baldwin was concerned. Over the nine years since their release, there have been dozens of theories that pointed to other suspects who could have been behind the deaths of Christopher, Michael, and Steve. West Memphis Three He was interrogated for 12 hours with only two segments running to 46 minutes being recorded, and although he was read his Miranda rights, he later said that he hadn't understood them. Moore. Meanwhile, police questioned Misskelley alone, despite the suspect only having an IQ of 72. West Memphis Three Classmates at Weaver Elementary School, the three were active in their Cub Scout troop and responsible enough to be trusted to roam their neighborhood without While he was on medication that may have affected the outcome, including Xanax, it seems that his suspected involvement in the killings was a complete dead end. Authorities figured Echols as a suspect because had shown an interest in occultism. An attorney involved in the West Memphis Three case, in which three teenagers were convicted of killing three boys in 1993, is claiming that evidence related to the case that was believed to be lost or destroyed has been located at the West Memphis Police Department, local CBS affiliate WREG reported.Attorney Patrick Benca, who represents By Benjamin H. Smith Who Killed The Forgotten West Memphis Three? They'd first come into contact almost precisely a year before Echols was arrested alongside his then-girlfriend Deanna Holcomb. Misskelley confessed during the interrogation but later took rescinded it, stating that he did it out our fear and intimidation. Toggle dark mode The West Memphis Three were the distinctive people in the town of West Memphis; however, there was little evidence suggesting they killed the three young boys. March 3, 2023, at 3:19 p.m. Video Shows Memphis Jailers Beating Black Inmate Who Died. While he remained immature, he was on an early road to adulthood as he worked part-time as a roofer and expecting a baby with his girlfriend, Domini Teer. ET. Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers were best friends. Speaking about Echols to The New York Times in 1993, high school teacher Jim Ferguson said, "he's like some wacko cult member.". reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. Their trial, which included }); Efforts to release the West Memphis Three would be aided in 2003 when Vicki Hutcheson ultimately recanted her testimony, telling the "Arkansas Times" that everything she told police was a lie. if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ An investigation of the murders looked into several suspects, including the stepfather of Steve Branch as well as two teenage boys who had abruptly fled to California shortly after the bodies were discovered. WebThe West Memphis Three were the first people in West Memphis, Arkansas who were accused of murdering the three young boys. John Mark Byers, stepfather of Chris Byers and initially the subject of considerable suspicion himself, is shown calling Terry Hobbs a "baby killer" outside an Arkansas courtroom. We are one of the worlds fastest growing Stevie Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers were only 8 years old when they viciously murdered in 1993. }); In statements under oath, the three witnesses say that Michael Hobbs told them, "My uncle killed three boys in West Memphis."
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