According to her new story, police had threatened to take her child if she didn't "cooperate." window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { Their clothing was found in the same creek, and some of it had been twisted around sticks that had been fixed into the muddy ditch bed. Friends and family tried in vain to find the missing boys. West Memphis Three West Memphis Three They wanted to overwhelm us, convict us, condemn us and sweep us under the rug.". 31 2021, Published 3:16 p.m. 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. The condition of the bodies led to the initial belief the three had been raped and then killed. The hair would tie in with a reported sighting of a "disoriented" man on the night of the boys' disappearance. March 3, 2023, at 3:19 p.m. Video Shows Memphis Jailers Beating Black Inmate Who Died. West Memphis Three }); He even said that he saw John Mark Byers assisting in the killings. Aaron was restless, and Bray was unable to properly administer the polygraph. eventAction: 'view' Then, perhaps, the punishment went too far, and it resulted in the triple homicide. pg.acq.push(function() { Many pointed to the irony in that insult, since Byers himself was considered by many to be complicit in not just the boys' murder, and the death of his second wife as well, who had passed away three years after her son's killing. West Memphis Three He kept a calendar of the lunar cycle so he and Jones could patrol the county and check for covens. They'd first come into contact almost precisely a year before Echols was arrested alongside his then-girlfriend Deanna Holcomb. 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. Then, after determining the boys final movements, Bob meets with a DNA expert to discuss new technology that might break the case wide open. 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. 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. There is a vast difference between what most Satanists believe Satanism is and the popular perception of Satanism. With the new evidence in hand alongside expert testimony that suggested the knife wounds and mutilation had been animal predation, Echols petitioned for a retrial. Damien Echols was sentenced to death, Jessie Misskelley Jr. to life imprisonment plus two 20-year sentences, and Jason Baldwin to life imprisonment. How the three died wasn't the same, with Moore and Branch being killed by multiple injuries and then drowning, with Byers dying of blood loss and not being drowned. 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. 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. Who killed Stevie The 'West Memphis Three' Murders It was just days before the trial of Echols and Baldwin. She was unable to say where this meeting was or who else was present. Due to marital problems stemming from Stevies death, the couple divorced in 2004, reported CNN. Christopher Byers' father, Rick Murray, was one of the early voices to speak out against the West Memphis Three's convictions, with Pamela Hobbs perhaps becoming the most vocal. connection to West Memphis Three Three teenage boys convicted of the 1993 murders of three boys in West Memphis, Arkansas, Thailand's 'most beautiful transgender woman' and husband wear $580K in attire at extravagant wedding, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; 'We are coming,' sheriff says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, Convicted killer Alex Murdaugh's new mugshot revealed after double life sentence, Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland for 30 days for taking a bathroom selfie, SoCal in for cool start to weekend, but light rain makes brief return, CHONK: State champion quartet prepping for show this weekend, Opinion: Fix loophole that increases copay costs for prescription drugs, Ambulancia para pacientes "posedos" lleva psiclogos y exorcistas en Bolivia. ET. Despite doubt over the way authorities handled the case, as well as a lack of substantial evidence, the West Memphis Three were found guilty. }); Steve had taken this knife everywhere and was never without it, with Pamela believing the killer had stolen it when it wasn't found at the scene. "But I didn't wear hats back then; my hair could have blown around anywhere.". }); 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 The assailant is also prone to violent outbursts, likely has a history of domestic violence, and places a high importance on punishment. Echols filed a petition, which was not granted, but then the decision was overturned by the Arkansas Supreme Court. 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. New evidence immediately began to come to light that cast even further doubts on the already shaky judgment and presented new and surprising suspects. At the scene, Steve Jones, assistant juvenile probation officer, openly speculated that Echols was capable of the crime, saying, "it looks like Damien Echols finally killed someone.". VEGA, Texas (KFDA) - Two people were killed and two others were injured after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 west of Vega. Over the years, however, the West Memphis Three continued to maintain their innocence, claiming they had nothing to do with the slayings of Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers, who were each found nude, hogtied, and mutilated in a bayou. West Memphis Three Meanwhile, Byers himself had a long history of drug use and violent criminal behavior, including domestic violence and threats to kill. In contrast, others contend he remained severely mentally ill and an immature teenager. On the evening of May 5, 1993, three 8-year-old boys disappeared from the streets of West Memphis, Ark. Stevie Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers were only 8 years old when they viciously murdered in 1993. Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. When he was informed that the blood matched both his and Chris' blood type, he claimed he had no idea how the blood might have gotten on the knife before suggesting he might have left it out accidentally. 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. This is the world where fist meets face. A polygraph indicated some level of deception in his statements to police, yet it should be noted that a heart condition may have affected the results. Morgan and Holland left town on May 10 and headed to Oceanside in California, their departure shocking many who knew them. Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers were best friends. By Benjamin H. Smith Who Killed The Forgotten West Memphis Three? Sign up for newsletter today. Terry Hobbs, meanwhile, still believes in the guilt of the West Memphis Three, telling Memphis ABC affiliate WATN in 2019 that "I still believe in my heart that Jessie, Jason, and Damion Echols are responsible for what happened to our children.". "I can't understand why exactly people are glossing over the obvious when it comes to Byers and the death of Melissa Byers and all the things that Byers has said and done since this trial," he said. 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. Generation X was seen as cynical slackers, beholden to social-tribal identity and influenced by the likes of MTV and the ever-growing internet. Police almost immediately turned their attention to Baldwin, Echols and Misskelley and suspected them of killing the boys. However, once again, Misskelley claimed Baldwin pulled out a knife, despite the evidence presented by experts that no knife had ever been used. "We have no vested interest in trying to withhold any evidence from anyone on either side. West Memphis Three 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. So, this tells me that this offender was someone they know," Clemente said. Their trial, which included The DNA of these three children is likely in that evidence," said Lonnie Soury, a member of Damien Echols' legal team. West Memphis Three Then read about the woman who was convicted for locking her deaf sister in a room for seven years. It took 18 years, a deep probe into the criminal justice system, and the rallying of a Echols claimed that Pope's departure and the discovery of the evidence were connected. It can now be tested, to see who left DNA at the crime scene. Investigators found the bottle exactly where he said it would be. All three would be happy to talk, with Bly saying that Misskelley was the leader of a Satanic cult that also involved Baldwin, Echols, his girlfriend Domini Teer, and others 20 in all. Two of the boys' underwear, however, was missing. However, the matter was sent to appeal, and Burnett was elected to the Arkansas State Senate, with his replacement being David Laser. This was a result of getting enraged, going too far, and then having to basically clean up the mess," he said. 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. Damien Echols was sentenced to death, Jessie Misskelley Jr. to life imprisonment plus two 20-year sentences, and Jason Baldwin to life imprisonment. His prior history of domestic violence didn't reflect well either. The three men spent nearly 17 years in prison before being released in 2012 after entering an Alford plea, pleading guilty while maintaining their innocence. The Story Of The West Memphis Teens Wrongfully Imprisoned 18 Years For Satanic Murder. Goths, punks and skaters were in the ascendency, and Middle America was horrified. 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.". The West Memphis Three were charged with the murder of three boys in 1994. There was a sense of disconnect from society amongst many young people, with the counter-culture that produced grunge giving way to the metal hitType: 'event', hitType: 'event', The new documentary focused on the bite marks, with the prosecution arguing that the marking seen on Christopher Byers' face in photographs is from a belt buckle and not teeth. They drew pentagrams, skulls, and snakes on art materials and surprised those at a football game by arriving dressed in black with black tears painted on their faces. connection to West Memphis Three Prosecutors would only give up harassing Misskelley for his testimony when I threatened to hold a press conference and disclose their efforts to entice his testimony." 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. ga('ads.send', { West Memphis Three | Background & Trial Branch had 21 particular wounds, including a large gouge to the left side of his face, with Byers having 62 differing injuries. }); 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. Damien Echols was sentenced to death, Jessie Misskelley Jr. to life imprisonment plus two 20-year sentences, and Jason Baldwin to life imprisonment. However, during his time at the station, Aaron mentioned that his three friends had been killed at "the playhouse.". The time spent to conceal them could have been skipped completely if there was no known relationship to the victims, Clemente told Ruff. eventAction: 'click_image_ads' 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. Despite the falsehoods in the testimony, Echols was pulled in for questioning two days after the bodies were discovered, denying any involvement. Despite the continuing doubts over the testimony, police pulled in Misskelley on June 3 alongside two other alleged cult members, Ricky Climer and Alvis Bly. But their innocence did leave investigators back at square one. Never mentioned in the autopsy or at either trial, they didn't match for Echols, Misskelley or Baldwin. There was a sense of disconnect from society amongst many young people, with the counter-culture that produced grunge giving way to the metal ga('ads.send', { There is no mention of Santic overtones or symbolism in the early written reports by police, nor correspondence with the FBI. The state of Arkansas was hoping to do like they do in so many other cases with poor people, with people who are powerless to defend themselves. Adding that his client was "a mentally handicapped person who is quite suggestible. After 3 years of fighting to get new evidence tested for DNA, the state says the WM3 petition should be tossed out and now, the attorneys are responding in court. Medical examiners were split on whether the three boys died the night they went missing or the morning after, and the bite marks wouldn't even be noticed until photographs were examined years later. West Memphis Three True crime: The tragedy of the West Memphis Three 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. Terry Hobbs and Pamela Hicks. The Story Of The West Memphis Teens Wrongfully Imprisoned 18 Years For Satanic Murder. All three were charged and accused of committing a Satanic murder. 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 let gads_event; Then, after determining the boys final movements, Bob meets with a DNA expert to discuss new technology that might break the case wide open. 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." Jul. 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. Quoted by WMC-TV in 2013, Jacoby said, "They said close to the crime scene because at one time I did walk near where they had found the kids with Terry Hobbs, his father-in-law, his wife," adding. 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. Messed Up Truth About The West Memphis Three killed The story of the West Memphis Three traces back to 1993, set in the city of West Memphis, Arkansas. ga('ads.send', { Both had histories of drug offenses, and Morgan claimed to police he suffered from memory loss and blackouts, stating he "might have" killed the three boys. Kara Goldfarb is a writer living in New York City. When three boys turn up murdered, a small town is desperate to find the killer. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. Ultimately, the judge will make a final ruling on whether to proceed. Echols, 36, had been on death row, while Baldwin, 34, and Misskelley, 36, were serving life sentences. They were mutilated and bruised, and their clothes were in the nearby creek. How seriously anyone took the Mulder and Scully of West Memphis is uncertain, but they certainly took Echols seriously. ET. All three pleaded innocent at the trial and maintained that innocence ever since. During questioning, Echols mentioned wounds to the genital that one of the victims suffered. 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. By Benjamin H. Smith Who Killed The Forgotten West Memphis Three? So if the West Memphis Three aren't the real killers, who is? Stevie Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers were only 8 years old when they viciously murdered in 1993. Benca and the West Memphis Police Department did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment. 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. ADVERTISEMENT window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { Their trial, which included Until 2007, when the discovery of new forensic evidence reopened the case and a new statute permitting post-conviction testing of DNA evidence came about. Both knew Misskelley from school but were hardly considered friends, Misskelley having a reputation for violence. West Memphis Three Attempting to shelter from a storm, the two broke into a trailer and were charged with burglary and sexual misconduct. Byers had been a step-father to Christopher Byers, who along with his two eight-year-old friends Michael Moore and Steve Branch, had been killed in West Memphis on May 5, 1993, and whose murders remain unsolved to this day, almost three decades later. 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. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. However, it wasn't just about the music with many embracing rebellious philosophies that were inherently offensive to the traditions of Christianity, respect and patriotism that have always defined small-town rural America. Whether justice has been done in the case of the West Memphis Three depends on entirely who you ask. of the West Memphis Three 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.". Who Killed Example video title will go here for this video. A new round of DNA testing later showed no genetic material linked the men to the crime scene evidence, and they were released from prison in 2011 after agreeing to an Alford plea. }); In statements under oath, the three witnesses say that Michael Hobbs told them, "My uncle killed three boys in West Memphis." Youtube Mugshots of the West Memphis Three. The following afternoon, the bodies of Steve Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers were found by a muddy ditch. Then, after determining the boys final movements, Bob meets with a DNA expert to discuss new technology that might break the case wide open. "He had to spend this time because if he didn't, he would get caught. One of those people would be Pamela Hobbs. Jul. 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 The Forgotten West Memphis Three, streaming now on Oxygen. Jul. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! 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. A subsequent search quickly found the bodies of Branch, Byers and Indiana man accused of murdering motorist after accident in Illinois now facing charges in separate murder, Man shot, killed after crash on highway, suspect charged with murder, police say, Woman Started Firing At Pool Party, Killing One And Injuring Two, Police Say, Subscribe to Front Page Detectives Newsletter. However, a hair "not inconsistent with" Steve Branch's stepfather, Terry Hobbs, was found, and crucially it was tied into the knots of the bindings that had hogtied one of the children. Echols unwisely began to tell the fanatical Driver tall tales about local cults and animal sacrifices when Driver became his parole officer, telling him that he followed Wicca. Writing in his future memoir, "Life After Death," Echols would say, "Down here in the deep, dark South we know and live with the real world. 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. killed }); 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. West Memphis Three eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), In statements under oath, the three witnesses say that Michael Hobbs told them, "My uncle killed three boys in West Memphis." eventAction: 'render' They were 17, 16, and 18 years old respectively. We will fully comply with any lawful request made regarding this case.". People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. hitType: 'event', The Story Of The West Memphis Teens Wrongfully Imprisoned 18 Years For Satanic Murder. reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. All Rights Reserved. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of Yet Misskelley kept talking, confessing again on Feb. 4. The chief of police was not truthful. 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. 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. They had a daughter together, Amanda Hobbs, who was 4 years old at the time of her brothers death. They still had the convictions, but the men would be free. Byers submitted dental records that showed the marks on the body didn't match his original teeth and subsequently passed a polygraph during the documentary's filming. },false) Martin molested both of his stepchildren a son and a daughter over four years, serving just three years in the Colorado State Penitentiary. Stevie Branch, Christopher Byers and Michael Moore. 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. Into this misunderstanding step Damien Echols, 18, Jessie Misskelley Jr., 17, and Jason Baldwin, 16. Equally, Pamela's sister Jo Lynn McCaughey saw Hobbs washing clothes, bed linens, and curtains from Steve's room around the time of the killings. Echols, by most accounts, didn't even consider himself one. The West Memphis Three West Memphis Three He suffered from "grandiose and persecutory delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, disordered thought processes, substantial lack of insight, and chronic, incapacitating mood swings." Soon after, witness, Narlene Hollingsworth, reported she saw three boys riding bikes, almost hitting one when he rode out in front of her car. West Memphis Three Who Killed The Forgotten West Memphis Three ", 'Very open to the idea': Julia Wandelt takes DNA test to verify if she is missing Swiss girl Livia Schepp, Kayla Lemieux: Teacher with prosthetic Z-cup breasts suspended WITH PAY after pics show her dressed as man, 'We have lots to reveal': Madeleine McCann lookalike Julia Wandelt posts footage of meeting with PI probing claims, Lindsay Clancy case: Psychologist reveals psychosis red flags family members could have spotted, Horror at Larchwood Care! How much of Echols reputation came down to his mental illness and how much teenage desire to shock is open to debate. 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. 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. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), 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.
