Didn't see this posted yet:

For those not familiar with this case, there are 2 books ("Devils Knot" and "Blood of Innocents") and two HBO documentaries (Paradise Lost 1 and 2. Part 3 is in production) about the case. 3 Arkansas teens were convicted of first degree murder in the deaths of 3 8 year old boys in what the State said was a Satanic ritual.

For a long time many have speculated that Chris Byers' stepfather, John Mark Byers, was the real murderer, but recently, DNA evidence has surfaced that points to another step parent, Terry Hobbs, who was never interviewed by police. Mark Byers, after years of believing the WM3's guilt, has since become a supporter and is a moderator at this message board.

http://www.wm3blackboard..../index.php

Paradise Lost 1:

http://www.youtube.com/wa...re=related

Paradise Lost 2:

http://www.youtube.com/wa...5witm15yck

if they're innocent i hope they are cleared

I vaguely remember this incident. Didn't one of those guys confess to killing the scouts and it was an elaborate confession which included him showing where the bodies were? It's been so long.

those boys are innocent. I didn't see this in the news either, but it is very encouraging to hear.

...saw this on Larry King. There's a band of celebrities that got behind their cause to spread awareness and get public support for a new trial, including Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks, and Eddie Vedder...

DesireeNevermind said:

I vaguely remember this incident. Didn't one of those guys confess to killing the scouts and it was an elaborate confession which included him showing where the bodies were? It's been so long.

I sorta remember this trial too, and confessions being involved. At the time they seemed as guilty as the day is long and I remember a big media frenzy about their occult/Satanist links. It was a pretty dark public spectacle if I remember correctly.

Why haven't they been executed?

They were tried and convicted right?

SUPRMAN said:

Why haven't they been executed?

They were tried and convicted right?

Yes. Only one was sentened to the death penalty and he's exhausting all of his appeals. The other 2 got life.

Also, they're innocent.

herb4 said:

SUPRMAN said:

Why haven't they been executed?

They were tried and convicted right?

Yes. Only one was sentened to the death penalty and he's exhausting all of his appeals. The other 2 got life.

Also, they're innocent.

How is that relevant if they were convicted?

SUPRMAN said:

herb4 said:

Yes. Only one was sentened to the death penalty and he's exhausting all of his appeals. The other 2 got life.

Also, they're innocent.

How is that relevant if they were convicted?

You think everyone who's been convicted and sent to jail is guilty?

SUPRMAN said:

Why haven't they been executed?

They were tried and convicted right?

Unless they waive their right to appeal (repeatedly) it's not a speedy process. This page is actually very informative...

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/time-death-row

It mentions the average time a prisoner is on death row in the US is ten years, that some are there for well over twenty, and questions whether or not this is actually giving them two senctences; the death penalty and the time spent waiting (which, even in solitary is very hard time). Also, lets not forget that only 34 states permit executions and all of them handle the act differently (Texas moves right along, some never push foward). There really is no "you've just received the death penatly and now you're going to die". In most cases it's a very, very long process.

In regards to this case, I think they deseve another trial. But I also think that if nothing is found to prove their innocence that they are still guilty. A lot of what happened in before and during the trial stinks, but there is evidence that shows they may have committed these crimes.

DNA evidence in particular is a tricky thing for me. I need more coffee before I can get into full babble mode about it. It seems just as likely that it's keeping people out of prison as it is putting them in, though. I understand it helps get the right people caught and sentenced. But the reliance on it as proof of someone's presence, regarding defense and prosecution, still seems a bit suspect (no pun intended). I know in some cases it doesn't make any difference. Eyewitnesses, fingerprints, murder weapons and all that - they still matter. But in some cases it HAS made a difference, for those found innocent and guilty in a court of law. Babble, babble... that doesn't sound right... I hope somebody understands what I'm trying to say.

herb4 said:

SUPRMAN said:

How is that relevant if they were convicted?

You think everyone who's been convicted and sent to jail is guilty?

Facetious stab at death penalty advocates.

To answer your question no.

I don't believe everyone who's been executed is guilty either.

Isn't the stepdad of one of those kids the main suspect?

SUPRMAN said:

herb4 said:

You think everyone who's been convicted and sent to jail is guilty?

Facetious stab at death penalty advocates.

To answer your question no.

I don't believe everyone who's been executed is guilty either.

Well there you go. That's why it's relevant. You know, so we don't jail and execute innocent people and all.

Are you being deliberately obtuse or am I failing to something communicate here?

scriptgirl said:

Isn't the stepdad of one of those kids the main suspect?

Yes, but probably not the one you're thinking of.

I am thinking of the one who had all his teeth removed.

herb4 said:

SUPRMAN said:

Well there you go. That's why it's relevant. You know, so we don't jail and execute innocent people and all.

Are you being deliberately obtuse or am I failing to something communicate here?

Not being obtuse. I explained it.

scriptgirl said:

I am thinking of the one who had all his teeth removed.

No. That's John Mark Byers and he didn't do it.

The main suspect now is Terry Wayne Hobbs, stepfather of Stevie Branch, who has no alibi, was the last person to se the kids alive, whose DNA was found at the crime scene in a knot used to bind one of the kids, along with DNA found on a nearby tree root that belonged to his best friend. Neither Byers nor any of the West Memphis Three was a match for any of the DNA tested.

herb4 said:

scriptgirl said:

I am thinking of the one who had all his teeth removed.

No. That's John Mark Byers and he didn't do it.

The main suspect now is Terry Wayne Hobbs, stepfather of Stevie Branch, who has no alibi, was the last person to se the kids alive, whose DNA was found at the crime scene in a knot used to bind one of the kids, along with DNA found on a nearby tree root that belonged to his best friend. Neither Byers nor any of the West Memphis Three was a match for any of the DNA tested.

Which doesn't mean the WM3 weren't there or involved in some way. That's the problem I have with this. My gut tells me it's more likely there are MORE people involved than those who are presently in prison, not that all of the WM3 are necessarilly innocent. There is evidence that points to one, and circumstantially, all of them being involved. Like I said before, though, a retrial seems like the least they deserve after the way it was handled the first time.

Cerebus said:

herb4 said:

No. That's John Mark Byers and he didn't do it.

The main suspect now is Terry Wayne Hobbs, stepfather of Stevie Branch, who has no alibi, was the last person to se the kids alive, whose DNA was found at the crime scene in a knot used to bind one of the kids, along with DNA found on a nearby tree root that belonged to his best friend. Neither Byers nor any of the West Memphis Three was a match for any of the DNA tested.

Which doesn't mean the WM3 weren't there or involved in some way. That's the problem I have with this. My gut tells me it's more likely there are MORE people involved than those who are presently in prison, not that all of the WM3 are necessarilly innocent. There is evidence that points to one, and circumstantially, all of them being involved. Like I said before, though, a retrial seems like the least they deserve after the way it was handled the first time.

Which one?

how many docus are there on this case?

scriptgirl said:

how many docus are there on this case?

Two, not counting 48 Hours special. Part 3 is filming now.

"Paradise Lost 1 and 2"

[Edited 11/15/10 5:09am]