The West Memphis 3 Part 4

In 'The West Memphis 3 Part 4' episode of the 'Morbid' podcast, hosts Ash and Alaina delve into the aftermath of the trials and the continuous fight for justice for Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jesse Misskelley, collectively known as the West Memphis 3. The episode begins with the hosts discussing the challenges of living during the COVID-19 pandemic, the disappointment of canceled events, and the importance of staying informed and safe. They then transition to updating listeners on the status of their live shows, which have been affected by the pandemic.

The narrative shifts to a detailed examination of the post-conviction lives of the West Memphis 3, with a particular focus on the appeals process and the lack of new trials despite emerging evidence and inconsistencies in the original testimonies. Jason Baldwin's experience in prison is highlighted, including a letter from a counselor that could have discredited a key witness against him. Jesse Misskelley's struggles with the legal system and his coerced confession are also discussed, alongside the psychological toll of his incarceration.

The episode then turns to Damien Echols' harrowing time on death row, his deteriorating health, and the brutal conditions he endured. The hosts underscore the significance of the Paradise Lost documentaries and the formation of wm3.org, which played pivotal roles in raising awareness and support for the incarcerated men. The episode continues with a discussion on John Mark Byers, a stepfather of one of the victims, whose changing narrative and suspicious past raise questions about his possible involvement in the murders.

The episode culminates with a focus on Terry Hobbs, another stepfather of a victim, whose DNA was found at the crime scene and whose past behavior and conflicting alibis cast further doubt on the guilt of the West Memphis 3. The hosts recount various allegations of Hobbs' violent and abusive behavior, as well as the legal battle with Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, which exposed more of his questionable history. The episode concludes with the West Memphis 3's release from prison through an Alford plea, a legal maneuver that allowed them to maintain their innocence while acknowledging the state's evidence against them.