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 13 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. For more information visit wm3.org
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CHRISTOPHER BYERS BIOLOGICAL FATHER SPEAKS OUT (From May 2000) Rick Murray, biological father of victim Christopher Byers, contacted WM3.org in the hopes of making his sentiments public knowledge. Here are his views on the case:My name is Rick Murray, and I am the biological father of Christopher, one of the three boys who were murdered in West Memphis, Arkansas, in 1993. I'm making this statement to say that I am not satisfied with the investigation of my son's murder. I am not satisfied with the verdicts of the trials, and I want everyone to know that I believe the wrong people are in prison for this crime.I have many reasons for feeling this way. I know the people who are close to this thing, and I know that people were mad about it, and they were wanting it to be solved quick. It got to the point where they weren't thinking about the truth, they were only listening to what the police and the reporters were telling them.There was no evidence to convict the three who are in prison and everybody knows this. They just don't want to see it this way, because it's easier to believe that the police got the right people. One of the reasons I feel the way I feel is because I don't think that Damien, Jason and Jessie are insane, but I feel that it would definitely take an insane person to do what was done to those children.There are a lot of things that the police just didn't look into. Someone could have driven up along the tree line on the East side of the wooded area, Robin Hood Hills. That dirt field East of the woods. There's a culvert that goes from the service road up along the tree line. Anyone could have driven up there and dumped the bodies in the creek, but the police never tried to find out any more about it. They were too quick to say that the murders were committed by a devil worshipper cult.I don't believe that anyone should be convicted of murder that they didn't do whether it's my son or not my son. I've talked to people who believe these boys are guilty, and they just don't have any evidence to support what they're saying. It seems to me that if they really cared about the truth they would listen to reason and see that there just wasn't enough to put these three in prison.I want to know who murdered my son, and I want to know that they will be caught and punished for what they did. I don't want three innocent people to suffer for something they didn't do. - Rick Murray, May 2000
*********** UPDATED LETTER FROM DAMIENS WIFE LORRI ***********Dear Friends and Supporters:Heres sending many, many thanks to those of you reading this note. It means you are interested in this case, and thats what were trying to do, raise interest and awareness.It also means you may be willing to donate to the defense, which would be a huge help to us. Were currently getting important work done in the fields of pathology, forensics and investigation, thanks to many of you, but we have a lot of work to do.Damiens is the only case being reviewed in state and federal court at present, but donated funds are going to the efforts to appeal Jason and Jessies cases as well. All three cases benefit directly from the defense fund.We are currently awaiting results from DNA testing, which is a lengthy process. Progress is being made, however, and defense funds will also help in completing that work.Its amazing how much support we receive from around the world, and we are grateful. Not a day goes by that Damien and I arent touched by someones note of kindness, or the feeling that we arent alone in our fight for justice.Thanks to all of you out there, for your letters, your generosity, your thoughts - your support. We wouldnt be where we are now without your help.Most sincerely, Lorri DavisPlease make checks out to and mail to: Damien Echols Defense Fund PO Box 1216 Little Rock, AR 72203
br /From: CASUAL-TEES:Avengers of the First Amendment LLC
Date: Nov 4, 2007 10:23 PM
Source:wreg.com
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