who killed the west memphis three who killed the west memphis three

Then, after determining the boys final movements, Bob meets with a DNA expert to discuss new technology that might break the case wide open. West Memphis police brought Terry Hobbs in for questioning in June 2007, and coverage soon led to a widespread examination of the original verdict, with Hobbs even telling police that some of his relatives suspected him in the killings. Jul. When three boys turn up murdered, a small town is desperate to find the killer. All three appealed the convictions. 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. He tried to fight back and showed defensive injuries. hitType: 'event', 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. The West Memphis Three were charged with the murder of three boys in 1994. With the evidence mounting that all three accused had been innocent, the deal ensured that Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley would never be allowed to pursue civil action against the state of Arkansas for wrongful imprisonment. Attorney Patrick Benca, who represents defendant Damien Echols, wrote in a Wednesday statement that he located evidence from the case after being granted access to the police department through an Arkansas state court order, according to WREG. VEGA, Texas (KFDA) - Two people were killed and two others were injured after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 west of Vega. Interested, police arrested both of them on May 17, placing them under a polygraph which indicated they were deceptive when denying involvement in the killings. WebThe West Memphis Three are three men convicted as teenagers in 1994 of the 1993 murders of three boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, United States. Attempting to shelter from a storm, the two broke into a trailer and were charged with burglary and sexual misconduct. They'd first come into contact almost precisely a year before Echols was arrested alongside his then-girlfriend Deanna Holcomb. Hutcheson was accused of settling from her employer and forced to bring her young son, Aaron Hutcheson, to the interview. Byers claimed the knife had never even been used, changing his story to say he'd used it to cut deer meat after the presence of blood was found. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Then read about the woman who was convicted for locking her deaf sister in a room for seven years. He has devoted himself to writing, music and art. WebThe West Memphis Three are three men convicted as teenagers in 1994 of the 1993 murders of three boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, United States. 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. In statements under oath, the three witnesses say that Michael Hobbs told them, "My uncle killed three boys in West Memphis." The condition of the bodies led to the initial belief the three had been raped and then killed. It took 18 years, a deep probe into the criminal justice system, and the rallying of a town. Tape recorded, Misskelley would claim that "When the boys came up, Damien grabbed one of them, I don't know which one and the other two tried to get Damien to stop, and then me and Jason come out and started grabbing them, started hitting them." MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) A former Memphis Fire Department emergency medical technician told a Tennessee board Friday that officers impeded patient care by refusing to remove Tyre Nichols ' handcuffs, which would have allowed EMTs to check his vital signs after he was brutally beaten by police. 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. While they showed the bravado and sense of adventure associated with many scouts, they were still innocent, with Byers said by his mother to still "[believe] in the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus.". 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. WebSeason 1 Episode 1 Preview: Host and investigator Bob Ruff explores the flaws from the original ""West Memphis Three"" case to lay the groundwork for his evidence-driven investigation. I developed an overwhelming sense of being excluded from everything. They still had the convictions, but the men would be free. Judge Laser vacated all previous convictions and ordered a new trial where the West Memphis Three would be allowed to make the plea, sentencing them to time served. 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. Jul. 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. The West Memphis Three were charged with the murder of three boys in 1994. So if the West Memphis Three aren't the real killers, who is? The friends rode over to Bobby Posey's house, where they learned Christopher had been whipped by his adoptive father, John Mark Byers, and planned to run away. 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. The plea deal was accepted. VEGA, Texas (KFDA) - Two people were killed and two others were injured after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 west of Vega. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), He also theorized that the killer knew the victims because he was able to control three victims without any help.. Echols, 36, had been on death row, while Baldwin, 34, and Misskelley, 36, were serving life sentences. The bodies of the three boys had been found in Robin Hood Hills, a stretch of forested land in the city that was popular with children and where Christopher, Michael and Steve were last seen together. Motivations For Investigating The West Memphis Case, Timeline Of The West Memphis Three Victims. The Brotherhood group he identified himself as being associated with had committed multiple homicides. His behavior as it became apparent Echols, Misskelley, and Baldwin would be cleared of the murders, was questioned as well. Echols, by most accounts, didn't even consider himself one. If some stranger who looked very threatening approached these three boys, I think the first reaction of these boys would be to run away, to look for help. Increasingly alarmed, searchers saw a black shoe floating in a muddy creek that afternoon. Their trial, which included While the charges were expunged from his record, documents detailing them were found at the Crittenden County Court by journalist Mara Leveritt. 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. "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. She would state that her son had strangely said "I love you, mom" repeatedly on the way home from school on the day he vanished. },false) Aaron was restless, and Bray was unable to properly administer the polygraph. John Mark Byers was the stepdad of one of the victims and said before the hearing, Theyre innocent. Then, after determining the boys final movements, Bob meets with a DNA expert to discuss new technology that might break the case wide open. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), According to her new story, police had threatened to take her child if she didn't "cooperate." All three pleaded innocent at the trial and maintained that innocence ever since. Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers were best friends. The discovery comes after West Memphis Police Chief Michael Pope resigned Tuesday. The truth is, the ongoing debate over whether Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley were guilty has often clouded the undoubted fact that justice remains elusive for the other West Memphis Three, Steve Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore. While Morgan, Holland and "Mr. Bojangles" already seem to have more against them than Echols, the police were now focusing solely on the one angle and one suspect, getting Vicki Hutcheson to agree to have her home wired. Police detective Bryn Ridge would later testify he somehow lost the samples from Bojangles' wall. gads_event = event; 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. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. His prior history of domestic violence didn't reflect well either. VEGA, Texas (KFDA) - Two people were killed and two others were injured after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 west of Vega. There was circumstantial evidence to suggest Byers knew more than he let on. As the rumors increased throughout the community, a Salem-like air descended as names continued to be associated with the alleged cult. 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. The Story Of The West Memphis Teens Wrongfully Imprisoned 18 Years For Satanic Murder. Echols claimed that Pope's departure and the discovery of the evidence were connected. 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). ga('ads.send', { Sometimes justice is neither pretty, nor is it perfect, but it was important to take this opportunity to be free.". Then, perhaps, the punishment went too far, and it resulted in the triple homicide. New evidence immediately began to come to light that cast even further doubts on the already shaky judgment and presented new and surprising suspects. After 18 years behind bars, they were freed. Byers had a long history of run-ins with the law and been accused of multiple violent crimes. It was likely the teenager was deliberately provoking Driver and exaggerating his lifestyle, leading the officer to become convinced that Echols was involved in a Satanic cult straight from a horror film. 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But it seemed the story for the West Memphis Three was over. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Nevertheless, this is a complete delaying tactic," Soury explained. } They wanted to overwhelm us, convict us, condemn us and sweep us under the rug.". If the judge makes the decision to deny the state's request for dismissal, then Attorney General Tim Griffin will get a chance to respond to that decision. He was muddy, bleeding, and brushed against the walls, leaving behind blood stains and feces on the walls, stall, and floor. ET. Prosecutors in the case argued that Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley had killed three boys the prior year as part of Satanic rituals. The use of shoelaces had yet to be revealed to the public, yet Martin was eventually cleared of any involvement. Damien Echols was sentenced to death, Jessie Misskelley Jr. to life imprisonment plus two 20-year sentences, and Jason Baldwin to life imprisonment. 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. Investigators found the bottle exactly where he said it would be. Despite claiming to know Echols well, she denied knowing his close friend Baldwin. Despite the alarming inconsistencies and recanting his confession, saying that he was fatigued, threatened and intimidated, police quickly arrested Echols and Baldwin. Driver's comments surrounding the case raised troubling questions over his competence to serve, stating he believed Echols and his girlfriend intended to sacrifice their expectant child to Satan. All three achieved the rank of "Wolf," and Moore had his blue Boy Scouts of America shirt and Boy Scout hat on as he ventured out on his bicycle. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Well, it minimizes the package a little bit and makes it easier to control after they're dead.. While the three, better known as the West Memphis Three, entered an Alford plea and are therefore not innocent in the eyes of the law, DNA evidence suggests someone else is responsible for the 1993 murders of James Michael Moore, Stephen Branch, and Christopher Byers. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { Get all the latest information on Events, Sales and Offers. He showed several old scars from prior injuries. Police noted he knew at least one of the victims by name and was on vacation the week the murders took place. One such suspect was none other than Byers. eventAction: 'view' The police were called, but he had left by the time they arrived, and nobody from law enforcement entered the bathroom until the next day after the discovery of the bodies. A second hair found at the scene was consistent with his friend, David Jacoby. They allowed police and other workers to walk through the creek, trampling possible evidence such as footprints, and equally failed to drain the water quickly to preserve other evidence. There are significant issues with the confession, with his claims not aligning with the autopsy and crime scene evidence, seemingly changing his story depending on who he was talking with. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! 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). pg.acq.push(function() { eventAction: 'click_ads' The alert was assigned to Officer Regenia Meek, who filled out reports and, with Officer John Moore, did a brief search, but nothing more expansive. Who Is The Real Killer Behind The 'West Memphis Three' Murders? No ritual paraphernalia or markings were found at the scene, and many in the police believed those responsible had been sexual predators or strangers from outside the town. For the state, the Alford pleas were a face-saving exercise. The child claimed they were committed by Spanish-speaking Satanists. 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. 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. The West Memphis Police Department denied any connection in a statement to ABC 24 Memphis. What came after the arrest is quite well-documented. 1." March 3, 2023, at 3:19 p.m. Video Shows Memphis Jailers Beating Black Inmate Who Died. 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. reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. March 3, 2023, at 3:19 p.m. Video Shows Memphis Jailers Beating Black Inmate Who Died. There is a strong Christian identity, and crime is an issue, but the behavior of Echols, in particular, would have drawn comment everywhere. 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. This is the world where fist meets face. Echols, Baldwin, and Misskelley were accused of killing three eight-year-old boys: Chris Byers, Stevie Branch, and Michael Moore. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { Everywhere you look, you see people with things that you do not have, and it has a profound mental effect. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. There was a sense of disconnect from society amongst many young people, with the counter-culture that produced grunge giving way to the metal Pamela Hobbs gave numerous interviews to the press where she spoke about the knife, the DNA, and the events of May 5 and 6, 1994. The story will be familiar to many working-class American youths, with Echols' poverty and mental health struggles disconnecting him from society, writing that "As I grew older I learned to be ashamed of being poor, too. 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. She also revealed Terry hadn't informed her that her son was missing until she finished work, having significant concerns over his whereabouts on those days. }); Some believe the police immediately thought there was some level of occult involvement in the triple homicide, yet this isn't the case. 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. Steve Edward Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore were all good kids. 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. Misskelley was interrogated for 12 hours, of which less than an hour were recorded. WebThe West Memphis Three were the first people in West Memphis, Arkansas who were accused of murdering the three young boys. If the offender came across the boys as they were doing something wrong or misbehaving, it would have been even easier to control and reprimand them, said Clemente. The following morning, May 6, a far more thorough search throughout West Memphis began, Crittenden County Search and Rescue personnel leading the effort, including the use of a helicopter. All three had been stripped naked and shackled with their shoelaces their right ankles had been tied to their right wrists behind their backs, with their left ankles to their left wrists behind their backs as well. 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. One of the few pieces of forensic evidence recovered at the scene was a hair belonging to a Black male found on a sheet that had been used to wrap one of the victims. To prove his innocence, he agreed and passed a polygraph test during the filming of 'Paradise Lost 2: Revelations,' only for the documentary to throw doubts on the results by revealing he was under the influence of several psychoactive prescription medications that could have affected the test results. 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. Yet, it is a giant leap toward murder. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. "I am innocent, as are Jason and Jessie, but I made this decision because I did not want to spend another day of my life behind those bars," Echols told the "Arkansas Times." And while both Michael and Steve had bruises across their body, Christopher had suffered the most gruesome injuries and had lacerations to various parts of his body, and mutilation to his scrotum and penis. Beyond his tales about Misskelley, Baldwin and Echols, Climber claimed to have beaten a police officer, hung a woman and sacrificed a second lady. From the murder of Shanda Sharer to the Columbine massacre, there was little that wasn't blamed on this new devilish culture. Their clothing was found tied to sticks implanted into the creek bed, with two pairs of underwear missing. Every piece is still there https://t.co/8tzxOWjZLH, - Damien Echols (@damienechols) December 21, 2021. But what is the purpose of that? Despite suspicion eventually falling away from Byers, Jason Baldwin praised the "Paradise Lost" documentaries as essential to their case, telling the "National Podcast of Texas" in 2019 that "The documentary saved my life, saved Damien's life, and saved Jessie's life. Devastating Photos Of Hiroshima Before And After The Atomic Bombing That Changed History Forever, Jury Finds Man Guilty Of Teaching Pug Nazi Salute [VIDEO], What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch, black Americans are wrongfully convicted at a far greater rate, woman who was convicted for locking her deaf sister in a room for seven years. 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. I believe there was an incident of over-disciplining one of the boys. It took 18 years, a deep probe into the criminal justice system, and the rallying of a Furthermore, Clemente believes the assailant was a male in his 30s who is either biologically related to one or more of the victims, a family member, or a very close community member. 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. Who killed Stevie Driver was the kind of individual who saw Satanism in every corner, blaming campfires, dead animal carcasses and pentagram graffiti on the dark arts. if(document.querySelector("#ads")){ There is a vast difference between what most Satanists believe Satanism is and the popular perception of Satanism. 31 2021, Published 3:16 p.m. They had a daughter together, Amanda Hobbs, who was 4 years old at the time of her brothers death. 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. On one occasion, she said she was with her son all day; on another that he left home around 4 p.m. eventAction: 'load' If you found this interesting, you might also want to read about the study that finds black Americans are wrongfully convicted at a far greater rate. 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. Neighbors would recall that the abuse suffered by the boy was horrific, describing the whippings as a regular occurrence. Climber only named Misskelley, Baldwin and Echols. There was a sense of disconnect from society amongst many young people, with the counter-culture that produced grunge giving way to the metal of Rob Zombie, Korn, Marilyn Manson and Nine Inch Nails. That changed on May 5, 1993, when three second-grade boys were reported missing. However, once again, Misskelley claimed Baldwin pulled out a knife, despite the evidence presented by experts that no knife had ever been used. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. It took them 18 years to clear their names. 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. }); No matter who committed those terrible crimes at Robin Hood Hills, they still walk free 28 years later, and until the culprits are found, the case is far from over. The West Memphis Three were charged with the murder of three boys in 1994. 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. Who killed Stevie The story of the West Memphis Three traces back to 1993, set in the city of West Memphis, Arkansas. ADVERTISEMENT Both men were increasingly concerned about the potential for human sacrifices when it was a full moon. Since his release, Echols has forged a career in the arts, moving to the infamous Salem, Massachusetts and publishing a memoir, "Almost Home: My Life Story Vol. 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. 1:53 Digital Original Motivations For Investigating The West Memphis Case 1:05 Preview Subsequent interviews with Vicki Hutcheson were just as contradictory. WebSeason 1 Episode 1 Preview: Host and investigator Bob Ruff explores the flaws from the original ""West Memphis Three"" case to lay the groundwork for his evidence-driven investigation. Eventually, three local teenagers, Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin, were zeroed in on as the prime suspects. 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. "He had to spend this time because if he didn't, he would get caught. Who Is The Real Killer Behind The 'West Memphis Three' Murders? The belief in a Satanic aspect to the crime was aided by Vicki Hutcheson and her son, when after discovering the bodies, Aaron claimed he'd witnessed the killings. The boys were naked and tied up by their shoelaces. To this day, it is still unclear who is responsible for the brutal murders, and in hopes of uncovering new potential leads, investigative podcaster Bob Ruff reexamined the case in . 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 Working at the crime scene, police made a series of errors that would significantly impede the case. Echols lawyer stated that new DNA evidence did not place him at the scene of the crime. Damien Echols was sentenced to death, Jessie Misskelley Jr. to life imprisonment plus two 20-year sentences, and Jason Baldwin to life imprisonment.