Did you guys see that they may be getting out today?
'West Memphis Three' Could Go Free : The Two-Way : NPR
'West Memphis Three' Could Go Free : The Two-Way : NPR
The West Memphis 3
- Thread starter GeronimusClone
- Start date
Yeah, the evidence they had was basically a forced confession from one of the kids who borderline mentally ******** and who wasn't even friends with the other two kids. None of the other evidence could be tied to the kids, and they have since conducted DNA tests etc. that didn't tie the kids to the murder the other kids. They were mostly convicted because people bought into the story that they were performing satanic rituals because they found a wicca book in one of the kids rooms and they listened to Metallica.
They have lost a few appeals even with new evidence because the same judge that oversaw the case was hearing the appeals but now they were likely to get a new trial and the state felt they couldn't win so now they are offering to let them out of prison if they say there were guilty so that the State can save face and the kids can't sue them.
They have lost a few appeals even with new evidence because the same judge that oversaw the case was hearing the appeals but now they were likely to get a new trial and the state felt they couldn't win so now they are offering to let them out of prison if they say there were guilty so that the State can save face and the kids can't sue them.
You should watch the documentaries. One of the victim's stepfather was a big brute that has to have some sort of mental disorder. I'm almost positive he had something to do with it.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_YbaTniFcU&feature=related]Paradise Lost II: Revelations - part 7/9 - YouTube[/ame]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_YbaTniFcU&feature=related]Paradise Lost II: Revelations - part 7/9 - YouTube[/ame]
This. I read the book about his case called Devil's Knot, and the lack of evidence against them, the investigation, and the trials were all appalling.
Also ranking right up there in terms of injustices - the Ron Williamson case. I don't read much John Grisham, but The Innocent Man is compelling stuff.
I've actually spent time with Dennis Fritz, the other man convicted with Williamson, to do a story. What an inspiration. I would have given up. There are so many cases out there like it. For example, Dallas had such a bad DA for so long they had to set up a special task force to look into all his murder cases. ID channel used to have a show about it - Dallas DNA.
I'm glad to see this. I watched Paradise Lost about 5 years ago and just became enraged. Glad to see some justice.
Felt the need to post this, skip to 1:30 for relevance to the thread.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8pMf7QRfIs]Pearl Jam - Do The Evolution (Touring Band 2000) - YouTube[/ame]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8pMf7QRfIs]Pearl Jam - Do The Evolution (Touring Band 2000) - YouTube[/ame]
Almost every time someone who has been found guilty of murder is later exonerated by DNA or other evidence and they discuss the history of the case, I am always struck by one thing:
It is ridiculous how often a jury will convict someone of murder with only the barest of circumstantial evidence. That, and the convict at all cost mentality some of these prosecutors have, who are only concerned about getting a conviction and closing the case, even if it might not be the right guy.
If you can't afford a good lawyer and are at all shady looking, you better watch out, because there are a lot of prosecutors and juries that will screw you without any real evidence.
It is ridiculous how often a jury will convict someone of murder with only the barest of circumstantial evidence. That, and the convict at all cost mentality some of these prosecutors have, who are only concerned about getting a conviction and closing the case, even if it might not be the right guy.
If you can't afford a good lawyer and are at all shady looking, you better watch out, because there are a lot of prosecutors and juries that will screw you without any real evidence.
It's funny you mention that. I always felt like Damien Echols was his own worst enemy during his trial. Courtroom accounts always seemed to portray him as arrogant, smug, and stand-offish. Like you said, a lot of prosecutors and juries will let that affect their opinion of somebody, guilty or not.
Yeah, honestly I think the way a man or woman looks and their demeanor has a very significant impact on jurors. Alot of jurors are unable to follow the instructions of the court and weight only the evidence, or really don't understand how to interpret it... and others that do, emotions still play a part in their decision, even if its on a subconcious level.
And if your a hot, young woman who looks sad on the stand? I have to imagine your odds just increased exponentially in comparison to an ugly man with a mean face.
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Yeah, that bothers me too. Almost everyone agrees they're not guilty, the state lets them out of prison; but they still have to lie and enter a guilty plea? Does this mean they'll have a "child-murdering felon" charge attached to their name for the rest of their lives?
I think they are actually using an Alford Plea which is a guilty plea that does not admit guilt so they don't really have to lie.
Yeah don't ask me how to explain that either, my simple engineer mind can't figure it out guess I need a few years of law school.