Discover intriguing facts about the West MemphisThree case, exploring its mysteries, legal battles, and the quest for justice.
What exactly happened with the West Memphis Three?In 1993, three teenagers, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley, Jr., were convicted of the murders of three young boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. This case drew national attention due to the controversial evidence and claims of a miscarriage of justice. Over the years, support grew for the trio, leading to their eventual release in 2011 under an Alford plea, which allowed them to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict.Who were the victims in this case?The victims were three eight-year-old boys: Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers. They were found murdered and mutilated in a wooded area known as Robin Hood Hills, near their homes in West Memphis.Why did this case gain so much attention?This case became a cause célèbre due to several factors, including the gruesome nature of the crimes, the perceived miscarriage of justice, and the involvement of satanic panic. Many believed the teenagers were wrongfully convicted based on their interest in heavy metal music and the occult, rather than solid evidence.
Standing out in small-town America has always been risky. For Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr, it meant life behind bars – and even death row. Clémence Michallon looks back on the case that began 27 years ago