THE WEST MEMPHIS THREE

Here in New Zealand we are rather oblivious to these sorts of stories that are taking place, and I feel that its important we learn more and offer our voice in support.  I literally stumbled across this story several years ago when the documentary Paradise Lost when it featured on the Sky TV documentary channel.  This is a documentary I urge you all to watch, if you haven't already, along with Paradise Lost 2.  When I first watched Paradise Lost it really left me wondering what was really going on, a part of me doubted the guilt of these three young men.  It wasn't until I researched the case further and eventually watched the second documentary, that my belief in these boys innocence grew.  I have supported the fight for their freedom for many years, and now that I have this blog, feel it is important that in some way I add my voice to the many who have before me, in supporting these three.

Some of you reading this probably have no idea what I’m talking about, so let me give you a quick run down of the story.  On the afternoon of May 6 1993 the naked and hog tied bodies of three young boys were discovered in West Memphis, Arkansas.  Stevie Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers had all been reported missing the previous day by their families.  What followed in the coming days, weeks, months and years will go down in history as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice, and is still continuing to this day.  Three teenagers Jessie Misskelley 17 years old, Jason Baldwin 16, and Damien Echols 18 were arrested for the murders based on the fact that it was believed these three were devil worshippers.  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.

One thing I learnt watching these documentaries is there seemed to be a lot of covering up and mutual back slapping by the authorities.  I consider this to be disgusting behaviour from people we literally trust with our lives.  Police officers coerced an error-filled "confession" from Jessie Misskelley Jr., who is mentally handicapped. They subjected him to hours of questioning without counsel or parental consent, audio-taping only two fragments with a total of 46 minutes.  Even though an abundant amount of new forensic evidence has come to light in the last few years, which proves these boys innocence, this case has continued to be run like a three ringed circus.  Mostly this has occurred a the hands of circuit court Judge David Burnett, who it seems since day one has had a personal vendetta against the west Memphis three and has continued to ignore both evidence and the law.  In September 2008, he denied Echols' application for a hearing on the new DNA evidence. The Arkansas Supreme Court heard oral argument on Burnett's decision on September 30, 2010.  On November 4, 2010, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that Burnett's interpretation of the DNA statute was too narrow and reversed and remanded all three cases for hearings as to whether new trials should be ordered.  The hearings, to be presided over by Judge David Laser, are tentatively scheduled for October, 2011.  It would seem that finally someone is actually listening and paying attention.  However, the damage has already been done, these boys who have now become men behind bars, have spent 16 years of their life in prison.

Thankfully these three have the backing of some rather influential people, such as Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, Ozzy Osbourne, even Disturbed earlier in the year released a song called “3”, of which all proceeds will go to funding this case.  I urge you to get behind this landmark case and offer your support in any way possible to these young men who deserve a chance at realising freedom once more.  I also encourage you to watch both the Documentaries, “Paradise Lost” and “Paradise Lost 2”.  If you wish to know more information about this or offer support in any way please visit Free The West Memphis Three.  I intend to keep updating the information regarding them on my blog and promote any help that is being offered to them.

To Damien, Jessie and Jason stay strong and know that there are so many people that are fighting in your corner.  I am just one voice, but together we are deafening and can’t be ignored.