The West Memphis Three part 3

The 'Morbid' podcast's third episode on the West Memphis Three delves into the trial of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jesse Misskelley, accused of the murders of three young boys in Arkansas. The episode begins by recounting the decision to split the trials, with Jesse being tried separately due to his confession, which the hosts argue was coerced and riddled with inconsistencies. The trial is portrayed as being heavily influenced by the satanic panic of the time, with the prosecution leaning on Jesse's confession and the supposed satanic elements of the crime to sway the jury.

The podcast hosts discuss the trial's focus on the occult, highlighting the lack of physical evidence linking the accused to the crime scene. They emphasize the prosecution's use of character assassination through Damien's interest in witchcraft and heavy metal music, which was presented as evidence of his guilt. The defense's attempts to introduce expert testimony on false confessions and police interrogation tactics were thwarted by the judge, who permitted the prosecution's use of an 'occult expert' with dubious credentials.

The episode also touches on the community's reaction to the trial, the emotional impact on the families involved, and the media's role in shaping public perception. The hosts raise concerns about the legal process, including lost evidence, such as blood samples from a nearby Bojangles restaurant, and the jury's quick decision to convict despite the flimsy case. They conclude the summary by noting that Jesse chose not to testify against his co-defendants, maintaining his innocence, and the jury's decision to sentence Damien to death and Jason to life imprisonment.