The West Memphis ThreeThe West Memphis Three are three men named Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin, who were tried and convicted for murdering three second grade boys in West Memphis Arkansas. Damien Echols was Sentenced to death by lethal injection, Jessie Misskelley, Jr. was sentenced to life in prison plus two 20-year sentences, and Jason Baldwin was sentenced to life in prison. During the trial, the prosecution claimed the victims were killed as part of a satanic ritual. A number of documentaries have been based on the case, Including one that has just recently released called "West of Memphis." celebrities and musicians have helped in the three men in belief that they are innocent.
In July 2007, new DNA evidence was brought to the case. And the State and Defense team stated, "Although most of the genetic material recovered from the scene belonged to the victims of the offenses, some of it cannot be attributed to either the victims or the defendants." In 2010 The West Memphis Three reached a deal with prosecutors. On August 19, 2011, they entered an 'Alford Plea', which allowed them to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict them guilty. And they were finally let free after having served 18 years and 78 days in prison. |
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