West Memphis Three released after 18 years

Paradise Lost directors commented on West Memphis Three’s release

[googlead tip=”patrat_mediu” aliniat=”stanga”]The West Memphis Three case, that has turn out to be a wide known cause  for a number of celebrities (American actors along with music artists), went to an intense and surprising final result.

On Friday the three men found guilty of murdering three eight-year-old boys  in 1993 were freed from jail. Their release comes after “Alford plea” that permit them to assert innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict them.

Damien Echols was sentenced to death while Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley Jr. were serving life sentences.

Interest in the initial trial focused on Damien Echols, back then 18, who had dressed in black garments, had colored his hair black, had read books on vampires, and listened to heavy-metal music. He was frequently inquired by law enforcement regarding satanism.

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The horrible homicides, that were described as satanic by the law forces, stunned West Memphis, Arkansas. However residual uncertainty whether the West Memphis Three had been responsible led to campaigns feed by stars to have the men liberated.

Those uncertainties has increased last month, when a  report on new DNA data was submitted in Craighead County Circuit Court. It could not link the crimes to the West Memphis Three charged in the murders.[googlead tip=”lista_medie” aliniat=”stanga”]

Two HBO documentaries shot within the the nineteen nineties ( “Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills” won an award), have increased consciousness concerning the case. Metallica has permitted their songs to be utilized in the film. Another documentary will be launched this fall.

The American stars have supported West Memphis Three cause.

Eddie Vedder from  Pearl Jam and Johnny Depp have grown to be highly effective supporters for Echols, specifically.

Previous year, Eddie Vedder, together with  “Arkansas Take Action”, organized  “Voices for Justice” live concert in Little Rock to raise understanding about the West Memphis Three. Depp made an appearance together with  Patti Smith and Natalie Maines.

“Three innocent people are losing years of their life on a wrongful conviction on a crime they didn’t commit. It makes me scared. It could happen to any of us” said Natalie.

Through the years, Depp and Vedder have donated for  Echols legal fees. Eddie has composed songs in relation to Damien and visited him. Other celebrities have  given souvenirs for auctions to assist the cause.

Internet sites  were meeting places for allies and additional followers.  They written  to the West Memphis Three and also to political figures.

“From beginning to end, this is probably the first national case to play out on the Internet. The Internet was the way to mobilize the troops all over the world. I don’t see how we would be where we are right now without the Internet,” said Lisa Fancher, an activist for the West Memphis Three Fund, on Friday prior to the hearing.