3 eight-year-old boys — Christopher Byers, Steve Branch and Michael Moore were reported to be missing on 5th of May, 1993. Byers' adoptive father made the first report to the police around 7:00pm. A neighbour had last seen the three boys entering a playground named Robin Hood Hills, together at 6:00pm. Initially, the police made limited searches that night. Even the neighbours and friends made unsuccessful and improptu searches that night, which had finally led them to the place where the bodies were found.
The term West Memphis 3 is name given to three teenagers who were convicted of the murders of these three children at West Memphis, in 1993. Jason Baldwin was sentenced to life imprisonment. Damien Echols was sentenced to death. Jessie Misskelley, Jr., was sentenced to life in prison plus 40 years.
The case has received considerable attention. Supporters of the convicts feel that the convictions and arrests were not properly carried out and the defendants were convicted wrongfully. The legal proceedings are ongoing, but the defendants remain imprisoned.
A status report jointly issued by the State and the Defense team on July 17, 2007 states, “Although most of the genetic material recovered from the scene was attributable to the victims of the offenses, some of it cannot be attributed to either the victims or the defendants.” On October 29, 2007, a Second Amended Writ of Habeas Corpus was filed by the defense, to outline the new evidence.
Judge David Burnett denied Echols’ application for a hearing, in September 2008, on the new DNA evidence. Hearings for Misskelley and Baldwin were scheduled to continue in August, 2009.
An appeal to the Arkansas Supreme Court, is Echols’ next stage in the legal process. He will proceed to federal court on his pending writ of habeas corpus, Unless that court reverses the conviction.
The West Memphis 3 case has gained attention and interest from celebrities, who have spoken out in support, staged fund-raising events and recorded albums.
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