Exonerate the WM3 Official Blog

How to Write the WM3

The WM3 Freedom  Fund has been dismantled two years after Damien, Jason and Jessie were released from prison. (They had to take an Alford plea but were not exonerated: we are certain that continued forensic investigation will make that a reality one day.) Supporters' generous donations helped pay for D, J & J's living and educational expenses after they were released, and they are very grateful for everyone's emotional and financial assistance-- both before and after their long and unjust incarcerations.

The WM3 Freedom Fund is now closed but we heartily encourage supporters to stay in touch with them all via cards, letters and even financial donations, if you so desire. This saga is not over, far from it!

Mailing addresses for each are:

Jessie Misskelley, Jr                        Birthday: July 10
c/o Stephanie Dollar
1033 Park St
West Memphis, AR    72301

Damien Echols                                Birthday: December 11
PO Box 1031
Salem, MA  01970

Jason Baldwin                                Birthday: April 11
7511 Greenwood Ave. N  #904
Seattle, WA  98103 

How to Write the WM3

The WM3 Freedom  Fund has been dismantled two years after Damien, Jason and Jessie were released from prison. (They had to take an Alford plea but were not exonerated: we are certain that continued forensic investigation will make that a reality one day.) Supporters' generous donations helped pay for D, J & J's living and educational expenses after they were released, and they are very grateful for everyone's emotional and financial assistance-- both before and after their long and unjust incarcerations.

The WM3 Freedom Fund is now closed but we heartily encourage supporters to stay in touch with them all via cards, letters and even financial donations, if you so desire. This saga is not over, far from it!

Mailing addresses for each are:

Jessie Misskelley, Jr                        Birthday: July 10
c/o Stephanie Dollar
1033 Park St
West Memphis, AR    72301

Damien Echols                                Birthday: December 11
PO Box 1031
Salem, MA  01970

Jason Baldwin                                Birthday: April 11
8560 Greenwood Ave. N #904
Seattle, WA  98103 

- See more at: http://wm3org.typepad.com/blog-deleted-20121011-7krqr/2011/09/donate-to-the-wm3-freedom-fund-now.html#sthash.y1EcAu1P.dpuf

How to Write the WM3

The WM3 Freedom  Fund has been dismantled two years after Damien, Jason and Jessie were released from prison. (They had to take an Alford plea but were not exonerated: we are certain that continued forensic investigation will make that a reality one day.) Supporters' generous donations helped pay for D, J & J's living and educational expenses after they were released, and they are very grateful for everyone's emotional and financial assistance-- both before and after their long and unjust incarcerations.

The WM3 Freedom Fund is now closed but we heartily encourage supporters to stay in touch with them all via cards, letters and even financial donations, if you so desire. This saga is not over, far from it!

Mailing addresses for each are:

Jessie Misskelley, Jr                        Birthday: July 10
c/o Stephanie Dollar
1033 Park St
West Memphis, AR    72301

Damien Echols                                Birthday: December 11
PO Box 1031
Salem, MA  01970

Jason Baldwin                                Birthday: April 11
8560 Greenwood Ave. N #904
Seattle, WA  98103 

- See more at: http://wm3org.typepad.com/blog-deleted-20121011-7krqr/2011/09/donate-to-the-wm3-freedom-fund-now.html#sthash.y1EcAu1P.dpuf

The WM3 Freedom  Fund has been dismantled two years after Damien, Jason and Jessie were released from prison. (They had to take an Alford plea but were not exonerated: we are certain that continued forensic investigation will make that a reality one day.) Supporters' generous donations helped pay for D, J & J's living and educational expenses after they were released, and they are very grateful for everyone's emotional and financial assistance-- both before and after their long and unjust incarcerations.

The WM3 Freedom Fund is now closed but we heartily encourage supporters to stay in touch with them all via cards, letters and even financial donations, if you so desire. This saga is not over, far from it!

Mailing addresses for each are:

Jessie Misskelley, Jr                        Birthday: July 10
c/o Stephanie Dollar
1033 Park St
West Memphis, AR    72301

Damien Echols                                Birthday: December 11
PO Box 1031
Salem, MA  01970

Jason Baldwin                                Birthday: April 11
8560 Greenwood Ave. N #904
Seattle, WA  98103 

Help Jason Baldwin Fund His Mémoires: Deadline is December 25, 2013!

Time is definitely of the essence so please click on Jason's Kickstarter page and donate today!

 

If reading my story inspires you half as much as you've inspired me, I will consider this book a success.

At the age of 16, I was arrested for a crime I didn't commit, ultimately spending 18 years of my life in prison before finally being released in 2011. 

During the past two years, I have had the amazing opportunity to speak about the case to people all across the country.  One of the questions I've most often been asked is when I would write a book. Until now, my answer has been that I would pen my memoir when I reach the ripe old age of 90 and have lived a long and full life.

But the more I share my story, and the more questions that I am asked about my life's experiences, the more I have come to realize this story needs to be told not later, but now.  There is much more than I can possibly share on a stage with a microphone in hand, try as I might.  Time just always seems to run short, someone's questions do not get answered, and I am often rushed past the parts of the story that give it weight. Now, two years into this wonderful whirlwind of freedom, the whole idea of penning my memoir makes a bit more sense to me, and I am eager to share with you my life's stories. 

Since I was released, I have traveled the country advocating for criminal justice reform. I also earned my Associate of Arts degree, during which time I took creative writing classes that I feel have equipped me with the tools I need to write effectively and completely. I'm launching this project now because I would like to take a year off from traveling, to devote the time and energy that it will take to share my story. Your generosity will afford me that time, as well as help cover the costs associated with publishing and producing a book. 

I hope to have at least a digital copy of this book in your hands within a year. Of course, that timeline may shift, but I will update you monthly with my progress, including a snippet of what I've been working on, and perhaps a poem or photo of something that has been inspiring me lately.  I view this as a journey I'll take with you, with those of you who are new to the case, and especially those of you who shared your lives with me throughout my 18 years in prison.

My life has been one filled mostly with heartache, pain, injustice and the worst people have to offer.  But it is also one of perseverance, hope, love and our capacity to rise above--I have seen, too, the best humanity has to offer.  The truth is, without the kindness of others, I would still be in prison today.

Four documentaries and a narrative feature have been made about this case, and my friend Damien has written two books. Now I'm looking forward to sharing with you my story in my own words.

I take this task on with great humility.  I have met many people during my life, and I hope to treat each of my memories of them with dignity and respect.  

Thank you, everyone, for helping me make this memoir a reality.  

                                                                                                          -- Jason Baldwin

 

Memorial remodel marks 20th anniversary of murdered West Memphis Three boys

From Fox13

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. (FOX13) -

The plans for a West Memphis Three memorial makeover are truly a community effort. After seeing a picture of the memorial in the local paper, community members made the plans and set up a fundraiser for Weaver Elementary School, where the memorial is located.

The improvements come just before the 20th anniversary of the murders of 8-year-old Cub Scouts Michael Moore, Chris Byers and Steve Branch in West Memphis.

Plans for the memorial, formerly called the Weaver Reading Grove Memorial, include building a flower bed with 20 yellow rose bushes to commemorate the anniversary.

Other renovations to the memorial include repairing damaged benches, repainting the brown gazebo in brighter colors, repairing the gazebo roof to cover exposed nails and install permanent trash cans.

All of the renovations and landscaping will cost $2,800; so far donors contributed $545.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of the young West Memphis Three victims for the improvements of the Weaver Elementary Reading Grove Memorial, please send your donation to the school at the following address.

Weaver Elementary Reading Grove/Playground Fund
1280 East Barton Ave.
West Memphis, AR 72301

Bomb suspect at large is Cambridge teen | Mission Hill Gazette

The Boston Marathon bombing suspect currently on the run has been identified as Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19, of Cambridge, according to the Boston Police Department.

via missionhillgazette.com

Judge Denies Family Request To See West Memphis Evidence

Posted on: 5:05 pm, April 2, 2013, by George Brown and Michele Reese, updated on: 08:44am, April 3, 2013

 

(West Memphis, AR) On Tuesday, a judge decided family members of the three boys who were murdered in West Memphis 20 years ago cannot see all the evidence in the case.

The judge said they can’t have access to all of it since it may be needed in a future trial.

The attorney for Pam Hicks and Mark Byers, the parents of two of the victims, told News Channel 3 that judge’s decision “was not a big deal.”

“They would have like to have had all the evidence. That would have been the icing on the cake. But the ending goal was answering questions,” attorney Ken Swindle said. “The primary reason the parents hired me was to find answers, and they feel like for the first time in 20 years they have answers about what happened in those woods.”

The parents started their hunt for information last year, but Swindle said, after a prosecutor ignored their request to see all the evidence in the case they hired him and they sued.

They were then given them limited access to evidence in the prosecutors file. That file, Swindle said, included a key piece of information.

Long path to justice for man at the center of WM3 revelations

Posted: Mar 28, 2013 2:20 PM PDT Updated: Apr 04, 2013 2:20 PM PDT

By Les Smith

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (FOX13) - Things haven't changed much in the 18 years since Bennie David Guy walked the streets of Earle, Arkansas as a free man. But, soon the now 53-year-old Guy may get that chance as he awaits parole after serving less than half of a 40 year sentence for a crime DNA evidence indicated he didn't commit, the rape of an 11-year-old girl at a motel in 1995.  That evidence was available to Crittenden County prosecutors and his defense attorney just two months after he went to prison.

 "I get to looking at the evidence that's in the writ and the DNA evidence says he didn't commit the rape. His semen was not found in the victim. That it's someone...It's someone else's," said Project Innocence attorney Phillip Allen in 2008.

Bennie's brother Bobby also believes him innocent, "They sent a letter said the girl lied about it. Said it been on her conscience for so long she wanted to get it off her conscience."

Now the man wrongly convicted, in some ironic twist of fate, finds himself as among the accusers in

Attorney alleges four people killed West Memphis boys » The Commercial Appeal

An attorney representing the mother of one of the boys murdered in the infamous 1993 West Memphis case filed affidavits in court Wednesday naming four men, all of whom have connections to the case, as the killers.

via www.commercialappeal.com

An attorney representing the mother of one of the boys murdered in the infamous 1993 West Memphis case filed affidavits in court Wednesday naming four men, all of whom have connections to the case, as the killers.

With West Memphis Three member Jason Baldwin a spectator in the Marion, Ark., courtroom, attorney Ken Swindle presented sworn statements that he says implicate Terry Hobbs, David Jacoby, Buddy Lucas and L.G. Hollingsworth in the killings. Although all four have been involved in the case over the past 20 years, none has ever faced any charges.

Swindle is representing Pam Hicks, mother of victim Stevie Branch, in her lawsuit seeking to examine the evidence that belonged to her son. Swindle contends this new evidence serves as proof that authorities are no longer actively investigating the case, since police have not followed it up, and that Hicks — formerly married to Hobbs — should be allowed to see her son’s belongings. A ruling in the case is expected by Monday.

New Suspects In 1993 West Memphis Murders

Posted on: 12:18 pm, March 27, 2013, by George Brown, updated on: 02:32pm, March 27, 2013

 

(Marion, AR) At a hearing held today regarding evidence in the West Memphis 3 murders, the names of several new suspects were released by attorneys for the mother of one of the victims.

Several affidavits were handed out naming new possible suspects in the 1993 murders of three 8-year-old boys.

One of those named is Terry Hobbs, her ex-husband and the stepfather of victim Stevie Branch.

Also on the lists David Jacoby, LG Hollingsworth and Buddy Lucas.

A witness says several years after the killings, Buddy Lucas admitted he and the three others took part in the murders.

The paperwork says Hobbs and Jacoby invited Lucas and Hollingsworth, who were teens at the time to go with them and get high.

It says the four were drinking and smoking pot when Hobbs saw several kids spying on them.

The affidavit claims Jacoby grabbed one of the children and beat him severely while Hobbs ordered Lucas and Hollingsworth to grab and hold the other two boys.

The witness says Lucas told him Hobbs killed the boys with a pocket knife and mutilated their bodies.

Lucas, who is described as being mentally ‘slow,’ was reportedly sent away from the area for several years immediately after the incident.

The witness states once he learned what happened he contacted the West Memphis police but no one returned his call.

Judge Victor Hill is hearing from parents of the three victims who want access to evidence in the murders of Stevie Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers in 1994.

Pam Hicks, the mother of Stevie Branch, wants to examine some of the items that belonged to her son and were found at the murder scene.

Hicks previously told us, “I do want to know that it has not been contaminated if they need it, if something [were] to come out of this,” said Hicks. “I definitely don’t want to touch it. I just want to have a peace of mind and ease of knowing that they still have it.”

Police Chief Donald Oakes says they still have it, all of it, and most of it is sealed.

Oakes said Hicks requested to see all of the evidence.

He said they probably could have let her see some of it, had the prosecution and the defense agreed, but giving anyone access to the evidence outside of forensic testing could compromise a future prosecution if there ever were one.

Last year, all three men in the case, Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr. and Jason Baldwin were released when they made a deal with prosecutors where they maintained their evidence but plead guilty.

Pam Hicks has publicly said she no longer thinks the WM3 are guilty and was glad they were freed.

New allegations surface in the West Memphis 3 murders #wm3

Attorney for Pam Hicks presented court documents accusing four people in the West Memphis 3 killings. 

Terry Hobbs & his friend David Jacoby were among the four listed.

Pam Hicks (formerly Hobbs), the mother of one of the three boy scouts killed in 1994 in West Memphis is fighting for evidence in the case.

Today a Marion, Arkansas judge heard the case of releasing the evidence but with these new developments it has taken a back seat. 

Hicks has argued that investigators violated the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act by not allowing them to examine the evidence.  Three teens, Damien Echols, Jessie Miskelley and Jason Baldwin were convicted in the murders but were set free in 2011  after taking an Alford Plea with prosecutors.

FOX13's Bofta Yimam was in court today.  Tune into FOX13 News at 5 and stay with myfoxmemphis.com for the latest developments.

Read more on this case at myfoxmemphis.com.

Hearing Held Today About West Memphis 3 Evidence #wm3

(Marion, AR) A hearing is being held today regarding evidence in the West Memphis 3 murders.

Judge Victor Hill is hearing from parents of the three victims who want access to evidence in the murders of Stevie Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers in 1994.

Pam Hicks, the mother of Stevie Branch, wants to examine some of the items that belonged to her son and were found at the murder scene.

Hicks previously told us, “I do want to know that it has not been contaminated if they need it, if something [were] to come out of this,” said Hicks. “I definitely don’t want to touch it. I just want to have a peace of mind and ease of knowing that they still have it.”

Police Chief Donald Oakes says they still have it, all of it, and most of it is sealed.

Oakes said Hicks requested to see all of the evidence.

He said they probably could have let her see some of it, had the prosecution and the defense agreed, but giving anyone access to the evidence outside of forensic testing could compromise a future prosecution if there ever were one.

Last year, all three men in the case, Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr. and Jason Baldwin were released when they made a deal with prosecutors where they maintained their evidence but plead guilty.

Pam Hicks has publicly said she no longer thinks the WM3 are guilty and was glad they were freed.

Learn more about this case, click here.

Let’s Start the Campaign to Add ‘Paradise Lost’ to the National Film Registry | Documentary Channel

Every year, the Library of Congress‘s National Film Preservation Board selects 25 films for the National Film Registry. And they encouragingly invite the American public to help them pick out the most deserving titles. These are cinematic works of any sort from any time between the dawn of motion pictures to ten years prior to the year of addition (so currently 2003 releases are the most recent qualifying), films that will be preserved because they are “deemed culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” and are ”of enduring importance to American culture. They reflect who we are as a people and as a nation.”

via documentarychannel.com

‘West of Memphis’ - Film & DVD - Orlando Weekly

How you receive Amy Berg's documentary West of Memphis depends on what you already know. Those who have never heard of the West Memphis Three, a trio of Arkansas teenagers who spent nearly two decades in prison for a crime they didn't commit, will probably experience despair and rage in equal measure while watching this 145-minute chronicle of gross injustice. Full Story here.

FULL STORY HERE.

The Unsettling Recklessness of Peter Jackson's 'West of Memphis' - Hamish McKenzie - The Atlantic

But the rave reviews miss a dangerous hypocrisy at the heart of the film, which was paid for and produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, and directed by Amy Berg. In their quest to clear the names of the "West Memphis Three"—Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley, Jr. who were teenagers when they were convicted for the 1993 killings—the filmmakers decide that they have found the actual murderer: Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of one of the murdered boys. And in publicly making the case against him, they perpetrate a similar sort of injustice to the one they originally set out to correct: relying on questionable evidence to prosecute in the court of public opinion...  Full Story.

via www.theatlantic.com

An interesting perspective on West of Memphis and the apparent hypocrisy. What do you think?

Jessie & Damien hug it out at biz conference in Memphis, 02/11/13 #wm3

FedEx pulls sponsorshop of Memphis startup conference where Damien Echols will speak

By Wayne Risher

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

FedEx has withdrawn support from a startup business conference in Memphis after West Memphis Three figure Damien Echols was added to the program.

FedEx marketing officials made the move this week, leaving organizers scrambling for sponsors for Everywhereelse.co:The Startup Conference, Sunday through Tuesday at Memphis Cook Convention Center.

The Memphis shipping giant bailed after last Friday's announcement that Echols would participate in a "fireside chat" Monday with Commercial Appeal reporter James Dowd about how the world has changed since he was imprisoned.

A FedEx spokeswoman said the conference agenda moved "pretty significantly" away from the startup business and entrepreneurial agenda that fits the FedEx brand.

Brand New 'Exonerate the WM3' Bumpersticker!

in the WM3.org official zazzle store today... Get 'em while they're hot!

 

Justine Ashley Costanza: Interview With Paradise Lost Director Joe Berlinger

Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hill and it's subsequent followups, Paradise Lost 2: Revelations, and Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory are arguably some of the most rousing documentaries in cinematic history. The riveting trilogy chronicles the wrongful conviction of Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols, and Jessie Misskelley, Jr, known as the "West Memphis Three," who were charged with the murder of three eight year old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas.

via www.huffingtonpost.com

Peter Jackson Box Office This Season: Ranges from $82K to a Billion Dollars | Showbiz411

Peter Jackson can take pride in having the widest range of box office this season. His “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” has made just a whisker under $1 billion worldwide since December 14th. He’s busy preparing the sequels right now. On the other hand, another Jackson project, a documentary about the West Memphis Three, has made just $82,000 since its release on December 25th. Amy Berg directed “West of Memphis,” which was not nominated for an Oscar but has been included in a few other awards nominations.

via www.showbiz411.com

WoM not doing well at the box office so if you wanna see it turn out and support!

West of Memphis - Chicago Tribune

He's referring ("these people") to Arkansas law enforcement and the criminal justice system. In 1994, Echols and his friends Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley were convicted of the murders of three 8-year-old boys.

via articles.chicagotribune.com

Interview: Joe Berlinger On the Timeline of ‘Paradise Lost 3,’ the Possibility of a Part 4 and His Response to ‘West of Memphis’ | Documentary Channel

Today marks the digital release of Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky‘s Paradise Lost trilogy, the first time that any of the three films is available in this format. So, if you’ve never seen them before (or if you have) and don’t want to bother with physical discs, you can download Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills, Paradise Lost 2: Revelations and Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory from iTunes, to rent or own.

via documentarychannel.com

Paradise Lost was there first. You can't change that.

Some low blows about Paradise Lost in this article. Is it really necessary to criticize the films that got three men released from prison just to promote your film? I think not.

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/01/west_of_memphis_focuses_on_wom.html

Joe Berlinger, director of the Paradise Lost documentaries: “It really was a witch hunt” | DocGeeks

How 'Paradise Lost' became a fight for justice | NJ.com

Another great interview with director, Joe Berlinger on Paradise Lost!

 

Chronicling a controversial 1993 Arkansas murder case, filmmakers Bruce Sinofsky and Joe Berlinger evolved from observers into advocates.

Based in Montclair and New York respectively, they were dispatched by HBO to cover the trials of three teenagers accused of killing three 8-year-old boys in West Memphis, a working class suburb.

The prosecution lacked eyewitnesses and physical evidence, so they built a case around a tale of teen rebellion curdled into devil worship and pedophilia. The alleged ringleader, Damien Echols, got the death penalty, while Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley Jr. were sentenced to life without parole.

The team's 1996 documentary, "Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills" raised questions about the convictions and in the process, spurred a protest movement to "Free the West Memphis Three."

Read full story here: http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/01/paradise_lost_sinofsky_berling.html

Almost Home

"I'm fortunate beyond my ability to describe because I've had a few friends who have stuck by my side since almost the beginning.

 Three devoted characters from the west coast came into my life years ago, and have been a constant source of support ever since. Kathy, Grove and Burk. Collectively they are "the K.G.B." These people have gone above and beyond the call of duty to do everything they can to help. They've invested countless hours of their own time to spreading the word about this case. They never miss a court hearing and never forget a birthday. Through their unwavering belief and devotion many others have come to hear about and join the crusade. There are now more names than I can mention, and I could write a "Thank you" book consisting of nothing but names of people who have went out of their way to help. Kathy, Grove and Burk, along with the assistance of a fourth California angel named Lisa have donated their time and energy to maintaining a tremendous Web site on which the general public can now read every scrap of information that exists about the case. Seeing that justice is doen has become the focus of their existence, but they also do what they can to make my life a little easier. They encourage people to write, just so I know I've not been forgotten. Another friend, Jene, maintains a "wish list" of books on the site, which hundreds of people have sent to me. Things have come a long way since the trial. I no longer feel like the most reviled creature on earth. Some days I can now make myself believe that the entire world doesn't view me as a stain on the underwear of society. When the filmmakers released a second documentary things picked up even ore. My records so far has been receiving 188 letters in a single day. Once you know what it means to be hated the way I have been, it teaches you to appreciate those tokens of love even more."

-- Damien Echols, ALMOST HOME, 2005

 

WM3.org Is Alive and Well

Despite what you may be reading in some articles and interviews-- WM3org is NOT defunct! We went lean 'n mean blog for now for current updates about news surrounding the case but we will be back when server issues are resolved. Will be announcing the return of the full site as it happens.

BBOX Radio | #1269: Joe Berlinger | Filmwax Radio

Joe Berlinger comes on to FIlmwax Radio to talk about the PARADISE LOST TRILOGY which is now available in a box set. We also have a candid frank discussion about Peter Jackson's rival film on the subject, WEST OF MEMPHIS, directed by Amy Berg.