West Memphis Three

Imagine for a moment: your town is reeling from a recent, gruesome ordeal that is still being investigated. You're a teenager sitting at home, maybe watching tv. Someone knocks at your door, and before you realize what's happening; you're being handcuffed and read your rights. You're being arrested for the crime.
"Shortly after three eight-year-old boys were found mutilated and murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas, local newspapers stated the killers had been caught. The police assured the public that the three teenagers in custody were definitely responsible for these horrible crimes. Evidence? The same police officers coerced an error-filled “confession” from Jessie Misskelley Jr., who is mentally handicapped. They subjected him to 12 hours of questioning without counsel or parental consent, audio-taping only two fragments totaling 46 minutes. Jessie recanted it that evening, but it was too late— Misskelley, Jason Baldwin and Damien Echols were all arrested on June 3, 1993, and convicted of murder in early 1994. Although there was no physical evidence, murder weapon, motive, or connection to the victims, the prosecution pathetically resorted to presenting black hair and clothing, heavy metal t-shirts, and Stephen King novels as proof that the boys were sacrificed in a satanic cult ritual. Unfathomably, Echols was sentenced to death, Baldwin received life without parole, and Misskelley got life plus 40. For over 12 years, The West Memphis Three have been imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit. Echols waits in solitary confinement for the lethal injection our tax dollars will pay for. They were all condemned by their poverty, incompetent defense, satanic panic and a rush to judgment. "
The above was taken from the front page of this website http://www.wm3.org/splash.php.

CAUTION: The case is very gruesome, even more so that most horror movies I've seen. If you're interested in the story, please, realize it's very hard to believe, but it did in fact happen. My blog entry will not reveal any of the gruesome facts--it's just my opinion on the case.
I'll be the first to admit, when I watched the special on HBO "Paradise Lost", I was convinced they were guilty. Damien struck me as a disgusting, very sad excuse for a human being. But, I had done what's been done to them all along-and that's judge them without the facts. A few years later, I became interested in the case again. After researching more about the case, I became more "on the fence"---my biggest problem was how something like this could happen here in America. Three teenage boys being sentenced to death or life without parole for something they didn't do. I had to (much like everyone else needs to) get past the attitude of Damien, the way he dressed, talked, his hobbies, and then, of course, his name lol. So, I was on the fence for a while.

Even while watching the movie, I thought one of the murdered boy's step-dad seemed completely off his rocker. Now, I'm convinced that he needs more investigating.

So, it's recently been brought back up in our local news. One of the defense attorneys believes the case should be reopened. He might as well be banging his head against a brick wall. My interest was once again sparked.

What bothers me most is the complete lack of evidence. The fact that when the boys were found-the first thing out of one of the cop's mouth was "well, it looks like Damien Echols has finally killed". No other leads were looked in to. Jessie Misskelley has been examined by doctors and proven to be mentally handicapped. He was questioned for hours (most of it not recorded) before giving a confession. Later that night, he said that they hadn't killed the boys, but it was too late. Seriously, his statement was the ONLY evidence they had.
And, another thing--these 3 weren't even friends. They hardly knew each other.
Back in January, our governor was asked if he would consider giving the three clemency--his response--he was not inclined to do so. So Jason wrote the following letter to the governor and it was printed in the AR Democrat-Gazette:

A protest of innocence
Arkansas Times Staff Updated: 3/30/2006
Re: Jan. 5 broadcast of “Arkansans Ask: Gov. Mike Huckabee.” Dear Governor Huckabee: You say you haven’t seen proof of our innocence [the West Memphis Three]. I say that is possible but only if you haven’t searched. I know you are an extremely busy man. You have to be because you have the needs of everyone in Arkansas resting upon your shoulders. I understand and do not blame you for taking the advice of your advisers on this case. However, know this Governor: I was 16 years old when I was kidnapped — and from day one I
have told the truth about my innocence every chance I was given — but no one with power or authority on earth has listened to me. But He has. God has listened and if you don’t believe it all you have to do is look at all the hearts he has touched concerning this. It wasn’t fair or right when you said the only concerned citizens were outsiders and that they had reached their conclusions after only viewing a movie. There are many Arkansans who know that I am innocent who have done more than just view a movie. No. 1 on that list is Mara Leveritt. Ask her about the facts of this case. Debate publicly with her. Just make sure you have your facts straight first because I guarantee you she has hers. Better yet, drop to your knees and ask God about this in prayer. Be a hero, Governor Huckabee. Take the initiative and really look at this case. If you don’t, I understand and I’ve already forgiven you. Just know this: My faith will never waver and should it do so — God will pick up the slack. P.S. Congratulations on your health. I’m a counselor here in prison and I use your example as a role model for the guys to emulate. Thank you. C. Jason Baldwin Tucker Unit Jason Baldwin, who was convicted at age 16 in the slaying of three West Memphis children in 1993, is serving a life sentence at Tucker. Another co-defendant also received a life term and Damien Echols has been sentenced to die for the crime.

So, this was another thing I needed out of my head---not completely---I do believe the case should be reopened.