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 11 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.
But there’s still hope for them, and you can help.
Jason Baldwin, born on April 11, 1977, is serving a life sentence without parole in
Grady, Arkansas for crimes he did not commit.
Jason works full time in the prison's law library and is an active member of the Jaycees. He's always teaching himself new skills on the computer and learning everything he can about the U.S. justice system. He hopes to publish a collection of his poetry that he has written during his incarceration. He is a role-model to other inmates helping them with everything from their studies to maintaining sobriety.
Jason continues to remain optimistic and has an amazingly positive outlook on life. He knows that the truth will come out and that Damien, Jessie and himself will eventually be released. Once released, Jason plans to travel, start a business and help others who have been wrongly convicted. Jason is very close to his family and continues to take care of them as best as he can. Jason is working with his new legal counsel on his appeals.
Damien Echols, born December 11, 1974, is currently on death row in Grady, Arkansas for crimes he did not commit. Damien, born Michael Wayne Hutchinson, changed his last name to Echols after he was adopted by his stepfather and took the name of Damien after learning of a priest who spent his life taking care of lepers. Damien focuses on reading, painting and meditation. He was married to Lorri Davis in 1999 and ordained a Buddhist monk in 2001. He has completed a number of college courses.
Damien is currently appealing his conviction and death sentence with the help of a new lawyer and private
investigator that are diligently seeking new evidence as well as finally testing the DNA on items recovered in the Robin Hood Hills. These items were never tested or matched to Echols' and Baldwin's DNA, nevertheless they were submitted as evidence by the prosecution. Damien plans to live quietly with his wife in another state upon his release.
Jessie Misskelley, Jr., born July 10, 1975 is currently serving a life plus 40 year sentence in Grady, Arkansas for crimes he did not commit. Jessie has held various jobs at Grady and spends his free time reading wrestling magazines, watching television and corresponding with friends and family. His father,
Jessie Misskelley, Sr. visits him every weekend without fail.
Jessie's initial appeal regarding his confession was rejected by the Arkansas Supreme Court. The court acknowledged the fact that the police handled the procedure of getting the confession in a questionable fashion however they still let the sentence stand and denied his appeal. Dan Stidham continues to stand by his former client, even finding new legal representation for him. His team is rapidly compiling information and evidence for an upcoming appeal. Once released, Jessie plans to move out of Arkansas but remain near his father.
FREE THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE
Hey Katie,
I can't really take much credit for this blog as I gathered most of the information from the West Memphis 3 website.
Posted by: Faith | November 01, 2004 at 09:00 AM
Wow, That is the best synopsis of their situation I have ever heard. I am so impressed with how well you explained their situation. You are an amazing writer Faith.
Posted by: katieb | October 31, 2004 at 06:37 PM